Flags of Honour

The Flags of Honour Foundation (FOH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to foster the spirit of patriotism and service to the Nation.  

[flagsofhonour-blog]

Today on his birth anniversary, we offer our respectful salutes to Major Padmapani Acharya MVC. During the Kargil conflict of 1999, attached to the Rajputana Rifles, Major Padmapani Acharya was assigned the task of capturing Lone Hill. He fought a brave battle until he succumbed to grenade injuries. Major Acharya was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. 

Maj. Acharya was originally from Odisha but later got settled in Hyderabad. His father too served as a wing commander in Indian Air Force. On June 21, 1999, Maj. Acharya spoke to his family members over phone as it was his birthday. Little did they know that it would be his last telephone call.

On 28 June 1999, in the battalion attack on the Tololing feature by the 2nd Rajputana Rifles, during the Kargil war, Major Padmapani Acharya was a Company Commander. Rajputana Rifles had the task of capturing Lone Hill. It was at an altitude of 5,000 metres, and the enemy was positioned on the hill top, showering bullets.

Unmindful of the hail of bullets from the enemy's position, Major Acharya crawled up to the enemy position and lobbed grenades. In this daring assault, he was seriously injured. Despite heavy injuries and unable to move, he ordered his men to leave him and charge at the enemy while he continued to fire at the enemy. The enemy position was finally over-run and the objective was captured. He, however, succumbed to his injuries after completion of the mission. For conspicuous gallantry and supreme sacrifice, Major Padmapani Acharya was honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra, posthumously.

Just a few days before the capture of Tololing Top, Major Acharya wrote a letter to his father in which he added a quote from the Bhagvad Gita - "Die and you will go to heaven; conquer and you enjoy sovereignty of the earth; therefore, stand up, Arjuna, and fight with determination."

[flagsofhonour-blog]

The Mahar Regiment is an Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army. Originally intended to be a regiment consisting of troops from the Mahars in Maharashtra, the Mahar Regiment is one of the only regiments in the Indian Army that is composed of troops from all communities and regions of India.

The Mahars, the tough inhabitants of Western and Central India have a long and glorious martial tradition. Their service was recognised and rewarded by the formation of the Mahar Regiment during World War II. The First Battalion of the Mahar Regiment was raised in October 1941, and the 2nd and 3rd followed soon. In October 1946, the Regiment was chosen for conversion as a Medium Machine Gun Regiment. The expansion of the Regiment started in 1956 with the amalgamation of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Border Scouts and the recruitment to the Mahar Regiment was opened to all. The Regiment has grown from strength to strength and is, today, one of the largest in the Indian Army. In 1963, the Battalions of the Regiment were converted to standard Infantry Battalions.

Pre-Independence the Mahars were recruited by the Marathi king Shivaji as scouts and fort guards in his army. The Bombay Army favoured Mahar troops for their bravery and loyalty to the Colours, and also because they could be relied upon during the Anglo-Maratha Wars. They achieved many successes, including in the Battle of Koregaon, where Mahar-dominated Company troops defeated a much larger led by Peshwa Baji Rao II. This battle was commemorated by an obelisk, known as the Koregaon pillar, which featured on the crest of the Mahar Regiment until Indian Independence. The Regimental Centre moved from Kamptee to Arangaon (near Ahmednagar) in 1946 and later found its permanent home in Saugor in December 1948.

The journey of seven decades has been most rewarding for the braves of Mahar Regiment. It offered them opportunities to show their gallantry. The Mahars proved their mettle in the UN missions in Congo and Somalia and in operations Polo, Pawan, Meghdoot and Vijay.

Today Mahar Regiment can boast of producing two Army Chiefs - Gen (Retd) K V Krishna Rao and Gen (Retd) K Sunderji. Both of them have been legendary figures occupying places in the hearts of Army personnel and countrymen alike.

Bolo Hindustan Ki Jai!!

[flagsofhonour-blog]

Assam Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army. The first battalion was raised in 1941. This Regiment has earned high praise for its combat skills. After independence, the Regiment gained in strength and its battalions have taken part in all wars and counter-insurgency operations with distinction. The headquarters of the Assam Regiment is situated at Shillong, which is also the headquarters of the eastern command of the Indian air force.

Assam regiment recruits exclusively from all the Seven Sister States of North-East India and is situated at Happy Valley, Shillong. They have chosen the rhino as the emblem that is seen on the berets and belts of the soldiers. The unique greeting adopted by the regiment as Tagda Raho was introduced by late Maj Gen S C Barbora who commanded 2 Assam Regiment in 1960s. The Regiment now consists of 23 battalions, 15 regular units, three Rashtriya Rifles units, three infantry battalions of the Territorial Army and two battalions of Arunachal Scouts

The Regiment was raised on 15 June 1941 in Shillong by Lt Col Ross Howman to meet the claim of the then undivided State of Assam for its own fighting unit and to counter the threat of the Japanese invasion of India. The consecutive battles of Jessami, the epic defence of Kohima and the capture of Aradura, were awarded as Battle Honours (now as Pre-Independence Battle Honours) to the Regiment. After independence, the Regiment gained in strength and its battalions have taken part in all wars and counter-insurgency operations with distinction. It was awarded a Battle Honour for its tenacious defence at Chamb in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Two battalions were part of the Indian Peace Keeping Forces in Sri Lanka in 1988 and a battalion served in Cambodia in 1993 as part of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia.

The area of Elephant Falls in Shillong was chosen to raise the First Battalion and here, under British instructors, the troops were trained to become a fighting machine. In its very first operation, the regiment won 71 gallantry awards. In addition, the regiment won six battle honours including Jessami, Kohima, Aradura, Toungoo, Kyaukmyaung Bridge-head and Mawlaik. It was also awarded the theatre honour Burma: 1942-45. The Regiment, from a small group of three battalions has grown into a power packed regiment. Two of its battalions, 4 Assam and 7 Assam, have had the privilege of being part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka and 1 Assam, 15th Assam has 10th Assam the unique distinction of being part of UN Peace Keeping Force in Cambodia(UNTAC), Lebanon (UNIFIL) and Congo respectively. Rhino Charge!

[flagsofhonour-blog]

The Kumaon Regiment is one of the most decorated and oldest infantry regiment of the Indian Army. This regiment is considered to be one of the Indian army's best and hold with it numerous awards and honours that make it distinctive. 

With Regimental Centre in Ranikhet, Uttaranchal, this Infantry Regiment hold many medals and battle honours including Param Vir Chakra, numerous Ashok Chakras, Maha Vir Chakras, Kirti Chakras & Vir Chakras among others. The first person honoured with the Param Vir Chakra was Major Somnath Sharma, who was from this regiment.

The Kumaon Regiment has its roots in the contingent of Nizams of Hyderabad and its history dates back to 18th century. The regiment, thus, has over two centuries of distinguished service. Before Independence, the units of the regiment fought under the British in Palestine, Egypt, Burma, Malaya, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and Europe. During World War I, the first all Kumaoni battalions were raised. In 1945, after the Second World War, the 19th Hyderabad Regiment was renamed as 19th Kumaon Regiment. Post-independence, it has been known as the Kumaon Regiment.

Later, the Naga Regiment and the Kumaon Scouts came under the aegis of the Kumaon Regiment. This regiment has grown manifold over the years. It also has in its fold Rashtriya Rifles battalions, Territorial Army units, Parachute, mechanised Infantry unit, tank Regiments etc. Kumaon Regiment has played a significant role in every combat for the Nation including the battle of Walong during the Sino-Indian battle of 1962, from Indo-Pak war of 1965 & 1971 to Kargil war of 1999.

The Regiment has a unique and proud distinction of producing three Army Chiefs till now. Kumaon Regiment is a regiment that fills pride and patriotism in every true Indian.

[flagsofhonour-blog]

The Dogras are the tough and loyal population of the regions of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu Kashmir. They have a long tradition of soldiering. They had been in the service of the British for some years as part of the Frontier Force. Enrolling in the Army has long been the ambition and career motivation of the Dogras. The earnings from the military service have been well spent for over a century in the otherwise economically backward hill region of the Dogras. Soldiering not only became a substantial part of the economic structure of the Dogra Hills, but created social and cultural traditions built on the peoples' association with the army. The Dogras are well known for their courtly manners, great courage and strong powers of physical endurance. Over the years, the Dogra soldiers have earned unstinted praise and thus making them highly desirable recruits for the Armed Forces.

The Dogras were first formed into a regiment in 1887 and three Dogra Regiments were raised as part of the Bengal Infantry. Post-Independence Dogra Regiment was strengthened with additional battalions as part of the post-1962 expansion of the Army. The regiment has earned respect as disciplined and dependable group of Infantry with many honours and awards to their fame.

Battle honours for the Dogra Regiments post-independence include Jhangar, Rajauri, Uri, Asal Uttar, Haji Pir, Raja Piquet, OP Hill, Punjab 1965, Siramani, Saudih, Dera Baba Nanak, Chandgram and Punjab 1971. Lieutenant Colonel Narinder Singh Sandhu of this regiment was conferred with the Maha Vir Chakra for his unmatchable valour and courage during the 1971 Punjab battle. Major Shankla was posthumously awarded the highest peace time gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra, for his daredevil action, conspicuous courage and devotion to duty. Dogra regiment also played an important role during the 1999 Kargil War. We salute the indomitable bravery and sacrifices of the Dogra Regiment.

[flagsofhonour-blog]

Lance Naik Albert Ekka, was born on 27 December 1942 in Ranchi, Bihar. He was enrolled in the 14 Guards of the Indian Army. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the 14 Guards was asked to capture a Pakistani position at Gangasagar, 6.5 kms west of Agartala in the eastern sector. It was a well-fortified position, held in good strength by the enemy. The reduction of this position was considered necessary as it was the key to the capture of Akhaura. The 14 Guards launched an attack on enemy positions at 0400 hours on 4 December 1971. Lance Naik Ekka went with the left forward company of the battalion in the attack. The assaulting Indian troops were subjected to intense shelling and small arms fire by the enemy.

Lance Naik Albert Ekka & his company charged onto the objective and were locked in bitter hand-to-hand combat. Albert Ekka noticed an enemy light machine-gun (LMG) inflicting heavy casualties on his company. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he charged the enemy bunker, stabbed & killed two enemy soldiers and silenced the LMG. Though seriously wounded in this encounter, he continued to fight alongside his comrades through the mile deep objective, clearing bunker after bunker with undaunted courage. Towards the northern end of the objective one enemy medium machine-gun (MMG) opened up from the second storey of a well-fortified building inflicting heavy casualties and holding up the attack. Once again this gallant soldier, without a thought for his personal safety, despite his serious injury and the heavy volume of enemy fire, crawled forward till he reached the building and lobbed a grenade into the bunker killing one enemy soldier and injuring the other. The MMG however continued to fire. With outstanding courage and determination Lance Naik Albert Ekka scaled a side wall and entering the bunker, killed the enemy soldier who was still firing and thus silenced the machine-gun, saving further casualties to his company and ensuring the success of the attack. In this process however, he received serious injuries and succumbed to them after the capture of the objective.

Lance Naik Albert Ekka displayed the most conspicuous valour and determination and made the supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the Indian Army. Honouring his gallant acts in serving our Nation, he was posthumously awarded theParam Vir Chakra. Let us honour & salute this brave soul who refused to back down.

[flagsofhonour-blog]

Today is the birthday of Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC and with immense pride and honour, we wish this mighty soldier. He belongs to the 18 Grenadiers and was part of the Commando 'Ghatak' Platoon that was tasked to capture three strategic bunkers on Tiger Hills during the Kargil War.

The Kargil War - In May 1999, militants & Pakistani soldiers illegally intruded on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) and captured several abandoned positions and bunkers. Indian Armed forces retaliated and recaptured its infiltrated positions on the Indian side of the LOC. Indian Armed Forces once again proved in Kargil that the regimental colours its Jawans carry are forever a matter of honour.

Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav was part of the leading team of a Ghatak Platoon tasked to capture Tiger Hill on the night of 3/4 July 1999. The approach to the top was steep, snowbound and rocky. Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav, unmindful of the danger involved, volunteered to lead and fix the rope for his team to climb up. On seeing the team, the enemy opened intense automatic, grenade, rocket and artillery fire killing the Commander and two of his colleagues and the platoon was stalled. Realising the gravity of the situation, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav crawled up to the enemy position to silence it and in the process sustained multiple bullet injuries. Unmindful of his injuries and in the hail of enemy bullets, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav continued climbing towards the enemy positions, lobbed grenades, continued firing from his weapons and killed four enemy soldiers in close combat and silenced the automatic fire. Despite multiple bullet injuries, he refused to be evacuated and continued the charge. Inspired by his gallant act, the platoon charged on the other positions with renewed punch and captured Tiger Hill Top.

Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav displayed the most conspicuous courage, indomitable gallantry, grit and determination under extreme adverse circumstances. For the sustained display of bravery and gallantry of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest medal for gallantry.

[flagsofhonour-blog]

It is one of the youngest regiments of the #IndianArmy and is a unique blend of military heritage with the latest state of the art equipment profile. This regiment was raised to fulfil the requirement of the common battle and training philosophy of mechanised warfare. It was established to give infantry battalions greater mobility. This Regiment was raised and nurtured under the watchful eyes of its first Colonel of the Regiment, General Krishnaswamy Sundarji. New battalions were raised by pooling in manpower from old battalions. 

In 1979, the Mechanised Infantry Regiment was raised with various mechanised battalions being brought together under a single cap badge. The affairs of the Regiment were transferred from Directorate General of Infantry to Directorate General Mechanised Forces.

This regiment was the mastermind of late Gen K Sundarji who had the foresight to cater to the needs of a modern army. The President conferred Colours to the Regiment on 24th February 1988 at the Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre (MIRC), Ahmednagar, in a unique parade. With the exception of the 23rd and 24th Mech. Inf., all battalions from the 15th onwards have been raised after the birth of the regiment in 1979. The regiment has actively participated in Operations such as Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, Operation Rakshak in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Operation Vijay in Jammu & Kashmir. The Regiment has a unique distinction of operating in the high altitude areas of Ladakh and Sikkim. Affiliated to INS Gharial, of the Indian Navy, this Regiment also specialises in UN Peacekeeping Operations in Somalia, Angola and Sierra Leone.

The Mechanised Infantry Regiment is a combination of some of the best Mechanised Battalions. ‘Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai'!

[flagsofhonour-blog]

Remembering Major Hoshiar Singh, recipient of #ParamVirChakra, for his acts of gallantry and leadership in serving our nation, on his 78th Birthday.

Commissioned in the Grenadiers regiment on 30th June 1963, Major Hoshiar Singh displayed exemplary courage, in spite of being seriously wounded, braved the heavy shelling and went trench to trench, urging his men to fight on and capture an important Pakistani position during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. Throughout the operation, he displayed most conspicuous gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit and leadership. He was awarded India's highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra. Today we remember him and his mighty acts of bravery and dedication, in protecting our nation. 

Born on 05th May, 1936 in Haryana, Major Hoshiar Singh belonged to the Grenadiers Regiment. 

On 15th December 1971, a battalion of the Grenadiers was given the task of establishing a bridgehead across the Basantar river in the Shakargarh Sector. Major Hoshiar Singh was commanding the left forward company and he was ordered to capture the enemy locality of Jarpal. This was a well-fortified position and was held in strength by the enemy. During the assault, his company came under intense shelling and effective crossfire from enemy medium machine guns. Undeterred, he led the charge and captured the objective after a fierce hand-to-hand fight. The enemy reacted and put in three counter attacks on 16th December 1971, two of them supported by armour. Major Hoshiar Singh unmindful of the heavy shelling and tank fire, went from trench to trench, motivating his command and encouraging his men to stand fast and fight. Inspired by his courage and dauntless leadership, his company repulsed all the attacks inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Again, on 17th December 1971, the Pakistani army made another attack with a battalion supported by heavy artillery fire. Though seriously wounded by enemy shelling, Major Hoshiar Singh again went from trench to trench moving about in the open with utter disregard to his personal safety, when an enemy shell landed near the medium machine gun post injuring the crew and rendering it inoperative. Major Hoshiar Singh, realizing the importance of machine-gun fire, immediately rushed to the machine-gun pit and though seriously wounded himself, manned the gun inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. The attack was successfully repulsed and the enemy retreated leaving behind 85 dead including their Commanding Officer and three other officers. Though seriously wounded, Major Hoshiar Singh refused to be evacuated till the ceasefire.

Major Hoshiar Singh’s determined resistance, complete disregard to his personal safety and mighty courage, inspired not only his company but also an entire nation. For his outstanding acts of gallantry, Major Hoshiar Singh was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, the Param Vir Chakra.

[flagsofhonour-blog]

The ‘Garud Commando Force' is a special forces unit of Indian Air Force, that was raised in 2003-04. 

A name derived from a divine bird-like creature of Hindu Mythology called 'Garuda', this unit is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force. Raised and trained on the lines of the Para commandos of the Army and MARCOS of the Navy, Garuds have carved a niche for themselves within a short period. After the attempts by terrorists to attack two major air bases in Jammu and Kashmir in 2001, the Indian Air Force felt the need for a specialized force to protect their critical elements and have a dedicated and trained Commando Force. Garuds are the emergency response team of the Indian Air Force to tackle threats. Their role is diverse and largely specific to the Air force. 

Garuds war-time duties include combat, search and rescue, laser designation of high-value targets in hostile environments and reconnaissance. During hostilities, Garuds undertake combat rescue, suppression of enemy air defence and other missions in support of air operations. Besides base protection force to protect airfields and key assets in hostile environments, some advanced Garud units are trained to undertake missions deep behind enemy lines. In peace time, the force is called in for specialised relief operations and counter-terror missions.  Their peace time roles include counter terrorism, anti-hijacking, aid during natural calamities and military tasks in the interest of the nation.

Garud Personnel are enlisted as Airmen within the Indian Air Force rank structure. The Garuds are organised into 'Flights', roughly the equivalent of 'Company' in an Infantry Battalion. Each flight is under the command of an officer of Flt Lt rank. The entire force is under the command of a Wing Commander rank officer.

Garuds are deployed in Congo as part of UN Peacekeeping mission and are also involved in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir Valley.

[flagsofhonour-blog]

Awarded with Sena Medal, Veer Chakra and Ashok Chakra for his gallant acts during different operations while serving the nation, this mighty soldier belonged to 8th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir light Infantry. From capturing the Bana post in Siachen to killing 12 intruders in the Poonch sector during operation Raksha, Naib Subedar Chuni Lal has truly proven himself.

Naib Subedar Chuni Lal displayed tremendous courage when circumstances demanded. The Sena Medal (Gallantry) in 1987 was awarded for his participation in the operation to capture the Bana post in Siachen.

In 1999 in Poonch sector during operation 'Rakshak', he killed 12 intruders and saved the post from the enemy, for which he was awarded the Veer Chakra. He also served in the United Nation Peace Keeping Force, twice in Somalia and Sudan. His team displayed exemplary courage in Sudan and for that he received the UN citation for Valour. While commanding the post in Kupwara on June 24, 2007, he detected some movements across the LOC and immediately an operation was started. In the operation, two of the Indian soldiers were injured in the heavy gunfire. Wounded and unable to move, they lay helpless near to the place where the enemy hid. Naib Subedar Chuni Lal crawled to the injured soldiers and saved their life, without thinking of his own. Two terrorist were killed in the gunfire as well. He didn’t ignore the danger of more terrorists hiding. Sub. Chuni Lal continued to search the area and found the third terrorist, charged on him and killed him, but unfortunately, got severely wounded in the gunfire, losing a lot of blood. One might give up in such state but not Chuni Lal, he continued to command the operation and two more terrorist were killed under his command. He was awarded the Highest Peace time Gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra for his gallant act.

Exemplary courage gives birth to legends and Naib Subedar Chuni Lal proved it.

[flagsofhonour-blog]

Raised in August 1949 this regiment of the Indian Army is the first "All India" mixed "All Class" Composition Infantry Regiment.

Located in Kamptee in Maharashtra this Regiment constitutes troops from all parts of India who have served in various battalions of the Regiment. Raised to implement the Government's policy of encouraging Army recruitment from classes and regions which had been under-represented in the forces, this regiment is one of a kind.

Three of the Army's oldest and most distinguished battalions—2nd Battalion of the 2nd Punjab Regiment, 1st Battalion of the Indian Grenadiers Regiment and 1st Battalion of the 6th Rajputana Rifles were converted as Guards battalions in 1949 and the man behind all this was none other than Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. He put forward the proposal to raise 'The Brigade of The Guards' on a mixed class basis, and was granted the permission by the government. And thus 'The Brigade of The Guards' was raised. The Regiment was later joined by the 1st Battalion of the 7th Rajput Regiment which is the only regiment of Foot Guards in the Indian Army. Though The Brigade of The Guards is only 50 years old its constituent battalions go back as far as 225 years and between them share 93 Battle Honours earned around the globe.

A Salute to this Regiment who have excelled in numerous operations and has made the Nation proud.

[flagsofhonour-blog]

The soldiers of Indian Armed Forces not only defend the notorious borders of our country but also protect, rescue and aid us from natural calamities. As the Nepal earthquake brought down the entire nation in tears, Indian Armed Forces jumped into action. Helping and rescuing people from the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal, Indian Armed Forces took up ‘Operation Maitri’, an ongoing rescue and relief operation in Nepal by the Government of India, as a swift response. With the Air Force and Army working hand in hand, they have rescued numerous lives and setup relief camps and operations have been setup. 18 Medical Teams earmarked, Six Medical Teams have reached and have been deployed while the rest are on standby. 10 Engineer Task Forces (ETFs) consisting of manpower, skid steers and JCBs (One partial ETF has landed with stores. Balance are on standby in India), 10,000 blankets and 1,000 tents are on standby and 10 INMARSATs for satellite communications have reached Nepal. It doesn't stop here. The request of the Nepalese Government for Oxygen on account of problems in the Kathmandu Oxygen plant has been met and additional cylinders are being dispatched (300 located at Bengdubi for dispatch to Nepal) along with five helicopters and two Cheetah helicopters that have been staged forward to Gorakhpur. As Operation Maitri goes on, more and more survivors are being aided by the soldiers of our nation. Ambassador-designate of Nepal in Delhi Deep Kumar Upadhyay has expressed gratitude to India for its quick response in helping its quake-hit neighbor, with round-the-clock on-going rescue works. "India has been kind enough for this type of rescue operation" he said. Our heartfelt condolences to the people of Nepal and a big salute to the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces for their constant support.

[flagsofhonour-blog]

Naik Jadu Nath Singh a soldier of 1st Battalion, Rajput Regiment (now 4 Guards(1 Rajput)) was not only courageous but had a presence of mind like no other. When the forwards post he was commanding in 1948 at picket No.2 at Taindhar with his 9 men got attacked by the enemy, he put his leadership skills into play. He used his small force of 9 people in such a way that it left the enemy confused. Even though his 4 soldiers were wounded he managed to re-organize his force.

Once again the enemy attacked on the post to capture it, though Naik and his team was wounded they took over the Bren gun from the wounded Bren-gunner, pushing the enemy right at the walls of the post. Naik Jadu Nath Singh started to fire, in turn encouraging his soldiers to fight the enemy. This changed their certain defeat into victory and once again saved the post from the enemies. But it did not end there, with a lot of casualties on our side, the enemy came back and the only person left to defend the post was Naik Jadu Nath Singh. He fought till the last breath, firing intensely at the soldiers and finally taking the bullet for the country.

For this gallant act, he was awarded Param Veer Chakra. His courage and passion will always stay alive. We salute this great soldier for his dedication and strength. 

[flagsofhonour-blog]

A Regiment that stands tall among the rest with the honour of having the most number of India's highest gallantry awards is the Grenadier Regiment. With numerous battle honours, such as Gurais, Assal Uttar, Jarpal and Chakra, it has won many awards and honours, which includes 3 Param Vir Chakras, 2 Ashok Chakras, 7 Maha Vir Chakras, 4 Kirti Chakras, 2 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 2 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 2 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 33 Vir Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, 3 Yudh Seva Medals, 71 Sena Medals and 27 Vishisht Seva Medals. 4th Grenadiers was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) for the Regiment in 1965 and the second recipient to get the Param Vir Chakra was Major Hoshiar Singh, 3rd Grenadiers in 1971. The oldest Grenadier Regiment in the Commonwealth belongs to the Indian Army. A composite battalion comprising Grenadier companies of Bombay Sepoys who won the famous battle of Talegaon in 1778. By 1784, the group of Grenadier companies had been given the title of Bombay Grenadiers. The Grenadiers have one of the longest unbroken record of existence in the Indian Army. We are proud of this strong regiment.

[flagsofhonour-blog]

Captain Vijyant Thapar is an officer of the Indian Army who belonged to the infantry regiment of 2 Rajputana Rifles. He sacrificed his life for the country while taking the 4,700 Peak in the Drass sector, but before he became a martyr, his only wish was that he wanted his father to visit the height where the army jawans sacrificed their lives for the country. As they say that sometimes courage runs in the blood, Colonel Vijendra Thapar, 58, fulfilled that wish. The climb to the peak at an altitude of 16,000 feet in the chilly September is something that requires a lot of skills, training and courage. Thapar senior, despite his frail frame, decided to take on the challenge to fulfil his son’s wish. The chilly September winds weakened his bones, his legs ached and the air to breath wasn’t available in abundance, but Colonel Thapar didn’t give up. He had kept his son’s last letter with him for inspiration that was written shortly before he became a martyr. His letter read, “By the time you get this letter I’ll be observing you all from the sky, enjoying the hospitality of Apsaras,” he wrote. Reading the first line of the letter from their son Vijyant from Drass heights, Colonel Thapar’s heart sank. Little did the parents know that when they were reading this letter, their son had already killed several enemy soldiers, destroyed their position but fallen to an enemy bullet. Soon, they received his body. “ If you can, please come and see where the Indian Army fought for your tomorrow,”  And that’s when this young martyr’s father decided to grant his last wish. With the entire nation and the army backing Colonel Vijendra Thapar, he set off on this journey and finally made it.  Thapar senior reached Drass on September 6 and then began the acclimatisation period. The Colonel spent time in the tent where his son and his buddies lived before. It takes courage to do something this big for your loved ones, not only Vijyant Thapar did that but also his father, Colonel Vijendra Thapar showed the love he manifested in his heart. Flags of Honour Foundation salutes this great martyr of our country.  

[flagsofhonour-blog]

The Maratha Light Infantry is also known as  the Ganpats is an elite regiment of the Indian Army. Formed as the 103rd Mahrattas in 1768,  it is the most senior light infantry regiment of the Indian Army.  

The Marathas were a potent force in 16th, 17th, and 18th century India. Their military qualities were brilliantly optimised  under the leadership of the Emperor Shivaji and succeeding Maratha rulers. Since Independence, battalions of the Maratha LI have taken part in every armed conflict,  Jammu and Kashmir operations in 1947-1948, entry into Junagarh, Hyderabad Campaign (1948), Invasion of Goa, Daman and Diu, the Sino-Indian War, conflicts with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 against the Chinese on the Sikkim watershed in 1956, the operations in Sri Lanka, the ongoing operations in the Siachen glacier and in counter insurgency operations. 

This regiment saw many daredevils such as The Ashoka Chakra awarded to Captain Eric Tucker (2 Maratha LI) and Colonel N. J. Nair (16 Maratha LI), Col Vasanth Venugopal (9 Maratha LI), Lt Navdeep Singh (15 Maratha LI), the five Mahavir Chakras and the numerous other war and peace time gallantry awards bear testimony to the front-line leadership and courage of the Regiment’s Officers, JCOs and NCOs. That is not all, Gen J.J. Singh (9th and 5th) became the first Chief of Army Staff from the Maratha Light Infantry in February 2005. Lt Col KS Gill, SM** from the 1st Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry (the Jangi Paltan) holds the coveted appointment of Adjutant, National Defence Academy. Brigadier S K Kurup, SM** is the Commandant and Col Tushar S Bhakay is the Deputy Commandant of the Regimental Centre at Belagavi. Lt General Narendra Singh, currently Deputy Chief of Army Staff, is the Colonel of the Regiment.

The Maratha Light Infantry is definitely one of the strongest regiments of the Indian Army. A salute to all the soldiers of the Maratha Light Infantry. 'Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai' !