President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday witnessed the change-over of the Army Guard Battalion stationed at Rashtrapati Bhavan at a ceremony which for the first time took place in the forecourt.
The change over was from 28 Madras, one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army, to 8 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.
Welcoming the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (Siachen), one of the most decorated battalion of the Indian Army to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mr. Mukherjee said the unit will be relieving 28 Madras and taking over an extremely prestigious and honourable assignment as ceremonial Army Guard Battalion at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
He said he was confident that the unit will continue to strive for excellence with professional zeal and meet the high standards required as the ceremonial Army Guard.
On the occasion, Mr. Mukherjee said the Madras Regiment being one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army, has a rich tradition of valour and courage and has rendered a distinguished service to the nation since its inception.
He said the personnel have always set the highest standards in pursuit of excellence that others would do well to emulate. The glory, courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty displayed by the ‘Thambis’ both on Indian soil and abroad, stands testimony to same, he added.