9th Gorkha Rifles bi-centenary celebrations held in Nepal

The bi-centenary celebrations to mark 200 years of 9th Gorkha Rifles were organised at Pension Paying Office in Pokhara on Saturday.

The event was organised under the aegis of Defence Wing, Embassy of India. More than 3,500 ex-servicemen and families of 9th Gorkha Rifles participated in the event.

After an initial tribute to the Martyrs, Colonel Man Raj Singh Mann, Defence Attache apprised them about the history of 9th Gorkha Rifles.

The veterans also witnessed a special performance by the Brass and the Pipe Bands of the 39th Gorkha Training Centre.

War widows and veterans were felicitated on the occasion with financial assistance in the form of gifts such as sewing machines, wheel chairs and cash incentives.

The 9th Gorkha Rifles has five battalions and its history dates back to the year 1817. The Regiment has distinguished itself in many battles and campaigns in the First and Second World Wars and all the battles fought after Independence.

The Regiment fought the battle of Mesopotamia, Malaya, Middle East, Central Mediterranean and Burma Front. Since 1947, the Regiment has fought in the wars of 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 and earned Battle Honours of Phillora, Kumarkhali and Dera Baba Nanak.

Similar events will be organised at many places in India, but the commencement of the entire celebrations has been done from Nepal.