New Delhi, January 15: The Indian Army is celebrating its 71st raising day today. The day is celebrated in commemoration of the first Indian to take over as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949. On January 15, 1949, the then Lieutenant General KM Cariappa took charge from British Commander General Sir Francis Butcher. The day is also observed to honour the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. Parades and military shows are organised at all the Army Command headquarters. Army Day 2019: General Bipin Rawat Gives Stern Warning to Anti-India Forces, Says 'Indian Army is Capable of Thwarting Any Foreign Aggression'.

Here is the live streaming of the celebration at Army Headquarters, Delhi:

On the occasion of the Army day, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top political leaders extended their wishes to all the ranks of the Indian Army and their family members.

President Ram Nath Kovind wished the nation on the 71st raising day of the Indian Army. He tweeted, “On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to veterans and their families. You are our nation’s pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Citizens sleep securely knowing you are ever awake and ever vigilant.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to the people through twitter of the nation to extend his wishes on the occasion of the 71st Army Day.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also wished the nation on the occasion of the Army day.  He tweeted, “I salute the indomitable spirit and courage of our Army, and the valour of the men and women who sacrifice so much to ensure that we live safe and in peace.”

This year for the first time, any lady officer will be leading a contingent on the Army Day. Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi will be leading 144 Jawan contingent in the parade on the Army Day. Meanwhile, Captain Shikha Surbhi will also be leading Army’s Daredevil Motorcycle Display team. The team will comprise of 33 men riding nine bikes to form a pyramid formation. Captain Bhavana Syaal of Signals core will also be participating in the Army Day parade along with Transportable Satellite Terminal.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 15, 2019 11:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).