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Army Day pays tribute to the unwavering dedication of Indian soldiers who selflessly safeguard the nation’s borders. It is a day to celebrate their courage, commitment, and service to the motherland.
Indian Army Day 2025 celebration will take place in Pune, marking the third time it is being held outside New Delhi. (Image: Shutterstock)
Indian Army Day 2025: Every year on January 15, India marks Army Day to honour the armed forces and their immense sacrifices for the nation. This year, the celebration will take place in Pune, Maharashtra, marking the third time it is being held outside the national capital. Previously, the event was traditionally observed at Delhi Cantonment until the Centre decided to rotate its venue across the country.
Army Day pays tribute to the unwavering dedication of Indian soldiers who selflessly safeguard the nation’s borders. It is a day to celebrate their courage, commitment, and service to the motherland.
Indian Army Day: History
The Indian Army, originally established by the British government on April 1, 1895, underwent a historic transformation after India gained independence in 1947.
On January 15, 1949, Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding General FRR Bucher, the last British Chief.
Since that landmark day, January 15 has been celebrated as Indian Army Day to honour the bravery, sacrifices, and invaluable contributions of Indian soldiers in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.
Indian Army Day Celebrations In Pune
While the Army Day parade was traditionally held in Delhi since its inception, it was only in 2023 that the venues were shifted to Bengaluru and then to Lucknow in 2024. “The initiative aims to decentralise the celebration, offering the local communities the opportunity for direct engagement,” the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated last year.
Considering the city’s historic ties to the Armed Forces and the headquarters of the Indian Army Southern Command being located in Maharashtra’s Pune, it explains the venue choice for the 77th Indian Army Day this year. The Southern Command encircles 11 states and four Union Territories, covering nearly 41 per cent of the country’s landmass.
The parade will be held at the Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) and Centre on January 15.
Indian Army Day 2025: Theme
This year, the Army Day celebrations are said to remain focused on ‘Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena,’ emphasising the capabilities of the Army towards a stronger nation.
Indian Army Day 2025: Key Attractions
One of the major highlights to look forward to is the prestigious Army Day parade which will be held for the very first time in Pune on January 15, 2025.
Not just a ceremonial occasion, the parade is also considered a national celebration to showcase the forces’ courage, dedication and technical technological progress.
Some other key highlights include the demonstration of cutting-edge defence technology such as drones and robotics, followed by combat demonstration and martial arts displays.
Videos from the rehearsals featuring the Indian Army’s robotic mules known as the Quadrupedal Unmanned Ground Vehicles (Q-UGVs) have also surfaced online, hinting at the grand celebrations ahead.
This year’s Army Day will also include the participation of an all-girl marching contingent from the National Cadet Corps.
Indian Army’s Roadmap For 2025
- As a part of the broader Decade of Transformation from 2023 to 2032, the Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 ‘Year of Reforms.’
- With that said the Army has already prepared a blueprint keeping in line the goal is to pursue this year.
- Signalling a decisive shift towards a more agile, technologically advanced, and combat-ready armed forces, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh elaborated on the visionary declaration that encompasses five key pillars.
- They are focused on Jointness and Integration, Force Restructuring, Modernisation and Technology Infusion, Systems and Processes, and Human Resource Management.
- With the domains of cyberspace and Artificial Intelligence opening new opportunities, the Indian Army is also resolute in harnessing its focus on AI machine learning, hypersonic technology, and robotics to enhance its capabilities.
Indian Army Day 2025: Quotes
“If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I’ll kill Death” – Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey
“We fight to win and win with a knockout because there are no runners-up in war” – General JJ Singh
“If a man says he is afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gorkha” – Field Marsal Sam Manekshaw
“Yeh Dil Maange More” – Captain Vikram Bakra (Kargil War)
“Only Best of the Friends and Worst of the Enemies Visit Us” – Indian Army (Ladakh)
“One for all and all for one” – Indian Army.
