President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and others express best wishes on Army Day, saluting all valiant soldiers and their families. Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15 to honour the day in 1949 when General (later Field Marshal) K M Cariappa assumed command of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief. Express Web Desk New Delhi | 15 January 2023 10:10 IST Sunday at Bengaluru’s Govindaswamy parade ground, Army chief General Manoj Pande attends the Army Day celebration. (ANI) As India commemorates its 75th Army Day today, political figures of all stripes have used social media to send their best wishes to the country’s military. President Droupadi Murmu joined the nation in offering well-wishes, stating: “On Army Day, let us recollect the innumerable stories of sacrifices made by Indian Army personnel! They have always pushed the limits of valour and bravery and acted as saviours in times of disaster. On this day, I honour all valiant Indian Army personnel and their families.” The message to the Indian Army from President Droupadi Murmu. (@adgpi Twitter) Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15 to commemorate the day in 1949 when General (later Field Marshal) K M Cariappa assumed command of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief, and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief after India’s independence. “On Army Day, I extend my best wishes to all army troops, veterans, and their families,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, accompanied by a series of photographs showcasing their arduous efforts. Every Indian is proud of our military and will always be appreciative of our soldiers. They have always kept our nation safe and their devotion in times of crisis has earned them widespread admiration.” The nation salutes their indomitable courage, valour, sacrifices, and service, tweeted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Army men and their families. We are proud of the efforts of the Indian Army to keep India safe and secure.” Indicating that the Indian Army is synonymous with valour and bravery, Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, “On #ArmyDay, I express my best wishes to soldiers, veterans, and their families. Our nation is pleased with our military’s commitment to national security. We honour our Bravehearts and genuflect before their heroic sacrifices.” On the occasion of Indian Army Day, Congress president and leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, stated that the nation would be forever indebted to the soldiers for their unwavering bravery, utmost dedication, and selfless sacrifice. He also expressed his gratitude to the soldiers’ families. In the meantime, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi shared a video depicting the numerous drills conducted by Army personnel and stated, “Their unmatched service protects our nation. Their kind acts flood our hearts with thankfulness. We will never forget their generosity.” External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar tweeted, “We are all obliged to them and their families for the sacrifices they have made in service of the nation.” The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) of the Indian Army tweeted on Sunday the greeting sent by Army commander General Manoj Pande to the military on the special day. He extended congratulations and best wishes to every member of the Army and their families. General Manoj Pande’s message as Army chief. (@adgpi Twitter) Insisting that all Indian troops are imbued with valour, patriotism, and sacrifice, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said, “Happy Army Day to all jawans, ex-servicemen, and their families for their sacrifice, penance, and devotion.” Emmanuel Lenain, the French ambassador to India, also expressed his wishes to the Indian Army on Twitter on Sunday, writing, “Cooperation between the French and Indian Armies will play a significant role in 2023, the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French strategic alliance.” “I Salute every brave Indian soldier and his family, who sacrifice their lives to protecting our nation! Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, tweeted, “Jai Hind.” This year marks the inaugural celebration of Army Day in Bengaluru, which occurs annually on January 15. Army Day is also being celebrated outside of the nation’s capital for the first time. The chief guest is the Minister of Defense of India. The Army Day parade is now taking place in Bengaluru at the Govindaswamy parade site, Madras Engineering Group (MEG), and Centre. General Manoj Pande began the march by laying a wreath at the MEG War Memorial in remembrance of the fallen soldiers. The Chief of the Army Staff will then review the parade at the MEG & Centre, Bengaluru Parade Ground, and present gallantry awards for deeds of individual valour and sacrifice.