Every year on October 27, the Indian Army's largest fighting arm is recognised for its contributions with the annual Infantry Day celebration. The nation honours the courageous individuals who gave their lives to defend India on this day. The day is notable because, on October 27, 1947, the Indian Army's first troops arrived at Srinagar airport, driving the invaders who were supported by Pakistan.
Every year on October 27, Infantry Day is observed to honour the contributions of the Indian Army's largest fighting division, the infantry. This day holds special significance for the country because it was on this day in 1947 that Indian Army infantrymen made history by being the first soldiers to land at Srinagar airport. This action prevented a tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir, which was being supported by Pakistan, and forced the invaders to retreat from the city's outskirts.
Infantry Day's History
The date of October 27 was selected for the event because it was on this day that the nation's first infantry soldiers protected its borders from foreign invaders. On October 26, 1947, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, signed the instrument of accession, bringing the area under Indian rule. In order to combat Pakistani invaders, the first Battalion of the Sikh Regiment quickly arrived at the Srinagar airbase. On October 22, regular soldiers from Pakistan entered Jammu and Kashmir under the guise of volunteers and tribe members from the North West Frontier Province (NWFP). The group's main goal was to take over the state by force and merge it with Pakistan. On October 27, following the Maharaja's signature of the instrument of accession, Indian troops were called in to repel the Pakistani invaders following the state forces of Jammu and Kashmir's initial resistance.
At night on October 26, there was an intimation to the first Indian battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai. They were airlifted to Srinagar the following morning after leaving their station in Gurgaon and moving to Palam Airport in New Delhi, where they repelled the Pakistani invaders from the airfield. The Indian soldiers raced towards Baramulla to halt the invaders after securing the Srinagar airfield. Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai was able to delay the advance of the invaders towards Srinagar but laid down his life near Baramulla. For his valour, he was posthumously given the Maha Vir Chakra, the nation's second-highest gallantry award.
Important occurrences
In India, October 27 is designated as Infantry Day because it was on this day that the country was first protected from foreign invasion by the Indian Army Infantry. Notably, the area joined India on October 26, 1947, when Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, signed the instrument of accession.
Pakistani soldiers had infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir under false pretences of being volunteers from the North West Frontier Province's tribal areas in order to seize control of the area. The state's forcible occupation and eventual integration with Pakistan was the main goal. After Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on October 27, the Indian team was summoned to repel the Pakistani invaders.
Theme
In 2024, Indian Army Day will have the theme "In Service of the Nation." This theme embodies the Indian Army's mission to serve the nation with unwavering passion, dedication, and professionalism. It highlights the selfless sacrifices Indian Army soldiers make in order to uphold the safety and values of their nation.
The topic is in line with the Indian Army's motto, "Service Before Self," which places a higher priority on serving one's country than on pursuing personal goals. It highlights the Indian Army's unwavering dedication to defending the country's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and people's welfare.
How Indian Army Day Be Celebrated?
Indian Army Day encourages youth to support national security and consider a career in the armed forces. An alternative name for it is Bhartiya Sena Diwas. It looks like a wonderful celebration on this day to honour the bravery and dedication of the Army officers. At the Parade Ground in Lucknow, the main event of the celebration will be a sizable parade that showcases the strength, discipline, and operational readiness of the Indian Army. For their brave and audacious actions, the troops receive gallantry awards and Sena Models such as the Vir Chakra and Param Vir Chakra, among other honours. The Chief of the Indian Army salutes the procession this time. The day is dedicated to honouring the brave Indian warriors who gave their lives in the service of their nation.
Watch as multiple regiments, each with its own history and customs, synchronise their marches past to symbolise the diversity and cohesion of the Indian Army. Watch in awe as fighter aircraft and helicopters perform incredible aerial manoeuvres to showcase the Indian Army's technological prowess and airpower capabilities. Join in on a vibrant cultural show featuring music, military history exhibits, and traditional dances. The event strengthens the bond between the Indian Army and the civilian population by fostering mutual respect and understanding.
