New Delhi: Defence establishments across India paid glowing tributes to Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, whose birth anniversary and historic assumption of command continue to inspire the armed forces. Born in 1899 in Karnataka, Cariappa joined the British Indian Army in 1919 and rose steadily through the ranks, gaining valuable combat experience during World War II. On January 15, 1949, he took command of the Indian Army at a critical juncture, guiding it through the aftermath of the 1947-48 Indo-Pak War with professionalism and strategic foresight.
Cariappa retired in 1953 after laying the foundation of a modern, professional, and apolitical national army. His emphasis on discipline, merit, integrity, and patriotism helped transform a colonial force into a battle-hardened institution capable of safeguarding India’s sovereignty. Senior military leaders from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, along with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, offered rich tributes, recalling how Cariappa’s visionary leadership shaped the ethos of the Indian military that endures to this day.
The commemorations coincided with the 27th anniversary of the barbaric killing of Captain Saurabh Kalia and five brave soldiers of the 4 Jat Regiment. On May 15, 1999, during the Kargil conflict, these soldiers were captured, tortured, and killed by Pakistani troops. Their supreme sacrifice remains a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Indian forces along the Line of Control and the unyielding spirit of the Indian soldier.
Field Marshal Cariappa’s journey from the battlefields of World War II to becoming the first Indian chief of a free India symbolises the seamless transition of the Indian Army into a national force. As India faces complex security challenges in the 21st century, his principles of selfless service, rigorous training, and national commitment remain highly relevant.
The nation salutes these legends from Field Marshal Cariappa, who built the foundations, to Captain Saurabh Kalia and his comrades, who defended them with their lives.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
