National Defence & Heritage

🪖 Army Day Parade 2025: “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena” Comes to Pune

For the first time in history, the Army Day Parade will be held in Pune on 15 January 2025, marking a moment of pride for the city steeped in military legacy.
This commemorative event honours Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and celebrates the might, discipline, and technology of one of the world’s most respected armies.

📜 A Brief History of Army Day

• Established: Initially observed on 1 April 1895
• Current Date: Changed to 15 January post-Independence to honour the transfer of command to Indian leadership in 1949
• Why It Matters:
  • Celebrates Indian military sovereignty
  • Recognises the service and sacrifice of soldiers
  • Instills national pride and unity

🎖️ K. M. Cariappa’s leadership marked the dawn of an independent Indian Army — led by Indians, for India.

🏛️ Why Pune?

• Home to the Southern Command Headquarters
• Host of the National Defence Academy (NDA)
• Venue: Bombay Engineering Group and Centre
• Part of the city rotation policy initiated in 2023, bringing the parade closer to citizens

🏹 A city of military minds and martial spirit, Pune is the perfect stage for this year’s salute.

🎉 Parade Highlights – 2025

• Theme: “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena” (Capable India, Empowered Army)
• Showcases:
  • Marching contingents
  • Mechanised columns
  • Combat demonstrations
  • Drone and robotics exhibitions
  • Martial arts & cultural displays

📲 How to Attend – Digital Booking

• Use the ADP 25 App (iOS & Android)
• Register using:
  • Aadhaar number
  • Facial scan for identity verification
• Ensures safe, streamlined, and inclusive access

🎟️ Modern tech meets military tradition — no long queues, just digital ease.

🛡️ Role of the Indian Army

• Led by the Chief of Army Staff
• Functions:
  • National security
  • Disaster response
  • Peacekeeping missions
  • Border protection
• Stands for discipline, honour, and nation-first commitment

🇮🇳 The soldier sleeps on the snow so that a nation can dream in peace.

📌 Key Facts Recap

• 🫡 Army Day Parade 2025 venue: Pune
• 🧭 First Indian Army Chief: K. M. Cariappa
• 📲 Digital access app: ADP 25
• 🏹 Host Command: Southern Command Headquarters
• 🌟 Theme: Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena

🕊️ Let every step in the parade echo with purpose. Let every citizen salute in spirit.