Army chief presents President's Colours to two battalions

Army chief General Dalbir Singh on Friday presented the President's Colours to 20 Mahar and 21 Mahar Battalions of the Indian Army on behalf of President Pranab Mukherjee.

The ceremony was held at Saugor Military Station in Madhya Pradesh during the celebration of the platinum jubilee of the Regiment, an official statement said.

The Regiment has nine battle honours, 12 theatre honours, eight Chief of Army Staff Unit Citations and scores of gallantry awards to its credit.

"This honour has been bestowed upon these two young battalions in recognition of their dedicated and meritorious service to the nation since their raising," the statement said.

The Army chief also released a "First Day Cover", a book on late General K.V. Krishna Rao and a graphic novel on late Major R. Parameswaran.

The Colours Presentation Parade was held at the Anusuya Prasad Parade Ground, which is named after the youngest Mahavir Chakra recipient of the Indian Army, who with only 10 days of military service laid down his life in the Battle of Shamsher Nagar during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

The President's Colours is one of the greatest honours bestowed upon an army unit in recognition of exceptional service to the nation, both during war and peace.

--IANS

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