The Hindu : Front Page : President has a date with his Body Guards

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 03, 2005

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Front Page

President has a date with his Body Guards

Staff Reporter

DOWN HISTORY LANE: President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam arriving for the show in his ceremonial buggy. - PHOTO: RAJEEV BHATT

NEW DELHI: Bringing alive the ceremonial grandeur of the colonial era with horses, buggies and the grand old tradition of the cavalry carrying the trumpet banner, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Friday handed over the 10th Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President's Body Guards.

The President's Body Guards is the only military unit that has the privilege of carrying the President's Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner. Each President presents the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the Trumpet Major once during his tenure. President Zakir Husain's untimely death in 1969 prevented this ceremony from taking place during his term.

Arriving in grand style in a buggy, Dr. Kalam reviewed the mounted parade standing against the imposing backdrop of the dome that dominates Lutyens' Delhi. "The nation is proud of you, and in appreciation of your services I am delighted to present the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner. I would emphasise that this honour bestowed upon you carries with it added responsibilities. The professionalism now expected of you will be more than ever before. I am confident that you will strive with dedication, discipline and valour to maintain the best traditions of Rashtrapati Bhavan,'' he said addressing the guards.

Dr. Kalam recalled that many visiting Heads of State had appreciated the quality and maintenance of the horses and the synchronisation of the parade. "I congratulate the President's Body Guards for their excellent military traditions, professionalism and discipline.''

The ceremony ended with the national salute sounded on the trumpet. From jumping across unusual obstacles to performing tricks on the horses in perfect harmony with music, the Army's seniormost regiment showed off its "horse-power".

Dressed in all their finery, the horses of the regiment that are required to be taller than 5 feet and usually bay in colour also got a chance to display their prowess. Traditionally the Trumpet Major who receives the Silver Trumpet from the President is always seated on a grey horse.

A treat for the eye, the ceremony included an audio-visual on the history of the President's Body Guards beamed on a huge screen. Bringing alive the history through a sound-and-light show interspersed with live action by troops, the show was first conceptualised by Sukhjit Singh. Technologically improved from the original, every show has been overseen by Brig. Singh over the years. Keeping up this tradition and his special bond with the guards, he has come out of retirement to put together this show.

Raised by Warren Hastings at Benares in 1773, the President's Body Guards has a long history of active duty as well as being in the forefront of all ceremonial functions.

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