ITANAGAR, 17 Dec: Governor B.D Mishra on Friday participated in the commemoration of the nation’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War with the 18th Battalion of the Madras Regiment at its unit location in New Delhi.
The battalion was awarded with theatre honour ‘Sindh’ in the 1971 war for its exceptional war success by making deep thrust on the Western Front in the Thar Desert of Sindh Province of Pakistan.
Addressing a special sainik sammelan on the occasion, the Governor, who was commissioned in the 18th Battalion of Madras Regiment on 17 December, 1961 complimented the troops for their devotion to duty and patriotism and for their conspicuous grit and élan.
Mishra advised the officers and the personnel to maintain discipline, train themselves hard for physical fitness and field crafts and build up bonhomie with the civil population wherever they are posted.
He said that if they are determined they will be successful in all their military endeavors.
Formed in the 18th century, the Madras Regiment is the Indian Army’s oldest regiment, the Governor said while recalling his days as a young officer in the battalion.
“It has played an active part in many campaigns both as part of the British Indian Army and as the army of Independent India. Thambis, as they are popularly known, have always been known for their valor, sacrifice, and devotion to duty,” he said.
Recalling his role with Mukti Bahini in the 1971 war, the Governor said that the Indian Army’s victory in 1971 Indo-Pak war is the golden chapter in India’s military history reflecting the Indian soldiers’ powers and its top military leadership.
Earlier, the Governor laid a wreath at the War Memorial of the 18th Battalion of the Madras Regiment.
Commanding Officer of the battalion Col O.L.V Naresh briefed the Governor about the war fitness and the other achievements of the unit. (Raj Bhavan)
