New Delhi, Jan 15 : The 61st Foundation Day of the Indian Army on Thursday culminated with the At-Home function hosted by Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor, which was attended by top government functionaries as well as serving and retired officers of the armed forces.

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General (later Field Marshal) K. M. Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1948. The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Defence Minister AK Antony and his cabinet colleague, Leader of the Opposition LK Advani along with Field Marshal Arjun Singh and three services chiefs graced the occasion.

The President also met officers and family members of army men who laid their lives for the country last year.

Earlier in the day, Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor, Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshall Fali Homi Major paid floral tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate.

On the occasion, the Army Chief took the salute at a parade held at the Delhi Cantonment. He also presented 16 Sena Medals for gallantry and eight regiments with unit citations.

General Kapoor today described the Mumbai attacks as a test of India's patience.

Addressing a function at the Army Day parade here, General Kapoor described terrorism as the biggest challenge before the country.

"Terrorism is the only biggest challenge before us and the menace has engulfed the entire world. But India has been grappling with it for long. The recent Mumbai attacks were a test of India's patience," said General Kapoor.

The Army Chief further said that India stands for peace, but would not hesitate to defend its territorial integrity with all of its resources.

The Army Day parade showcased technological prowess and achievements of the Indian Army.

Several serving and retired defence officers were present on the occasion. (ANI)