New Delhi: The President’s Bodyguard is considered as the personal troops of the President of India. It is the head of state of the Republic of India’s Household Ceremonial Cavalry Regiment. The primary role of the President’s Bodyguard is to escort and protect the President and it is based in New Delhi’s Rashtrapati Bhavan. In the Indian Army, it is the oldest cavalry regiment and is also the senior-most regiment in the order of precedence in the Army.
How and when was the President’s Bodyguard formed?
The origin of the President’s Bodyguard can be traced back to more than 250 years ago when the Governor’s Bodyguard was established in 1773 at Varanasi. The then Raja of Varanasi, Chet Singh, made significant contributions to the formation of the Governor’s Bodyguard by providing 50 troops and 50 horses. As per the original charter, the regiment during wartime had to accompany the Governor and during peacetime, it had to serve as a ceremonial bodyguard. In 1774, it became Governor General’s Bodyguard and in 1857, it became the Viceroy’s Bodyguard.
During the two World Wars, the regiment acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers. After India gained Independence in 1947, the bifurcation of the regiment took place with half the troops, equipment and horses allotted for the Governor General’s Bodyguard in India and the rest was sent to Pakistan. In 1950, after India became a Republic, the regiment became the President’s Bodyguard.
The mandate and the role of the President’s Bodyguard
The mandate of the President’s Bodyguard has evolved over the years and the Raising Charter has translated it into a dual mandate, with the regiment having a ceremonial role at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and an operational role with a Parachute Formation. For its ceremonial duties, the regiment has 99 horses and for its operational role, the regiment has armoured vehicles.
During peacetime, the main duty of the President’s Bodyguard is to take part in ceremonial duties. Since 1947, the President’s Bodyguard has escorted one Governor General and 15 Indian Presidents at both national and international functions and has undertaken nearly 140 ceremonial parades or duties every year. They take part in all the important ceremonies including the Republic Day Parade, and the Beating Retreat ceremony.
A unique military unit, the President’s Bodyguard has an intricate place in the Indian history, the Indian Army and Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is an integral part of India’s tradition and culture, embodying the highest standards of loyalty, integrity, and dedication. It is the pride of the nation that serves both ceremonial and operational roles with distinction.
The President’s Bodyguard, India’s oldest cavalry regiment, boasts a rich 250-year history, originating as the Governor’s Bodyguard in 1773. Evolving through various names, it now serves as both ceremonial escort and operational unit for the President. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
