The Hindu : Other States / Rajasthan News : Kalam to present standard to 81 Armoured

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Friday, May 13, 2005

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Kalam to present standard to 81 Armoured

Special Correspondent

The regiment was the first to convert to an all-India, all-class composition

JAIPUR: The President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, will visit Jodhpur on May 15 and 16 to present the "standard" to the Army's 81 Armoured Regiment in recognition of its outstanding services in the battlefield and also off the combat zone. He will also take the salute of an impressive parade by the troops of the regiment.

The 81 Armoured Regiment was raised on October 1, 1973, and has distinguished itself over the past 31 years through exemplary and dedicated service while serving with various prestigious and elite formations in the western, northern and southern theatres. The regiment has participated in Operations Rakshak, Trident, Vijay and Parakram, and its soldiers have received various awards for gallant services.

The standards - also knows as "colours" - are a recognition for group heroism and emblazoned with deeds of gallantry displayed by the unit. They are the epitome of a regiment's history and serve to inspire the men serving, while acting as an impetus for the deeds of glory yet to be performed. They strengthen the bond of allegiance already existing between the regiment and the nation.

A defence spokesperson in Jodhpur told The Hindu on Wednesday that Dr. Kalam would spend the May 15 evening with the serving and retired officers of the regiment. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, B.S. Takkar, will be present in the military station for the Presidential visit. The Rajasthan Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, will also be present on the occasion. The regiment will perform a unique parade on May 16 morning, when the troops will first march past the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, and after receiving the standard from the President, will mount their tanks and drive past the President in a mounted parade with the standard displayed proudly.

Dr. Kalam will also release a special First Day Cover and a brochure prepared for the occasion by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.

Raised initially with six castes - Marathas, Rajputs, Jats, Ahirs and Gujjars - the regiment was the first armoured unit to convert to an all-India, all-class composition. In keeping with its secular traditions, the regiment performs the consecration of standard through a Pandit, a Maulvi, a Granthi and a priest.

Another unique feature is the regimental song set to a melodious tune, "Risaala Dilwaala" (Brigade with a heart), composed by the eminent film maker-lyricist duo of J. Om Prakash and Anand Bakshi.

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