New Delhi. 27 August 2017. The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, witnessed a Ceremonial change-over of the Army Guard Battalion stationed at Rashtrapati Bhavan recently.
Speaking on the occasion, the President complimented Colonel Anil Jhinjheria and other officers and soldiers of the 8th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (Siachen) for accomplishing the tasks entrusted to them from April 2014 to August 2017. He said that the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (Siachen) is one of the youngest regiments of the Indian Army. Even so, its 8th Battalion has a rich tradition of valour and bravery. It is recognised as among the “Bravest of the Brave”, having won one Param Vir Chakra, one Ashok Chakra and one Maha Vir Chakra, among 300 gallantry and distinguished service awards.
The President said that personnel of the 8th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (Siachen) have set the highest standards in excellence. The courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty displayed by soldiers of the battalion speak for themselves.
Welcoming the 5th Battalion of the 1st Gorkha Rifles to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that this battalion too has an illustrious history. It has won 200 gallantry and distinguished service awards, including three Maha Vir Chakras in a single battle in the war of 1971. He was confident that the Unit would live up to its extremely high standards while discharging its duties as the Ceremonial Army Guard.
He wished Colonel Vijay Uniyal and other officers and men of the 5th Battalion of the 1st Gorkha Rifles a successful tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
