K M Cariappa

• Field Marshal K.M Cariappa’s birth anniversary is celebrated annually on January 28^th.

ABOUT K.M CARIAPPA

• Field Marshal Kodandera ‘Kipper’ Madappa Cariappa, often referred to as K.M. Cariappa, was an Indian military officer who served as the first Indian Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army from 1949 to 1953.
• He was born on 28 January 1899, in Coorg, which is now part of Karnataka.
• Cariappa joined the British Indian Army in 1919 and was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, 88th Carnatic Infantry.
• He served in various roles and saw action during World War II.
• He rose through the ranks, displaying leadership and tactical skills.
• In 1947, when India gained independence, Cariappa was promoted to the rank of major general and appointed as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
• His tenure as Chief of Army Staff began in 1949 when he succeeded General Sir Robert Lockhart.
• Cariappa played a crucial role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union and also contributed to the modernisation and professionalisation of the Indian Army in its formative years.
• In recognition of his services, he was awarded the prestigious title of Field Marshal on January 15^th, 1986, becoming the first Indian Army officer to hold this rank.
• Other awards include-
  • Order of the Chief Commander of the Legion Merit in 1949 by US President.
  • Order of the British Empire for his role in World War II.
• He passed away on 15^th May, 1993.

Facts

• Army Day is celebrated on 15^th January every year in India
• It is observed in recognition of Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa’s taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15^th January 1949.