President’s Colours Awards

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) presented the prestigious President’s Colours to four battalions of the Mechanised Infantry.

Key highlights of the Event:

The ceremony took place at the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School (MICS) in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.
Battalions Honoured:
- 26th and 27th Battalions of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
- 20th and 22nd Battalions of the Brigade of The Guards.

Mechanized Infantry is a specialized combat arm that combines the mobility and firepower of armored vehicles with the versatility and resilience of infantry troops.
Establishment: The Mechanised Infantry was established in 1979, making it one of the youngest arms of the Indian Army.

Establishment: 1949
Moto: “Pahla humesha pahla” (First always first)
Operation Area: Primarily deployed in mechanized infantry roles in various parts of India, including counter-insurgency operations and peacekeeping missions.
Notable Achievements: Participation in UN peacekeeping missions, counter-insurgency operations, and various military exercises.
Regimental Center: Kamptee, Maharashtra

The President’s Colours, also known as “Rashtrapati ka Nishaan”, is one of the highest honours conferred on a military unit, military training establishment, or State/Union Territory Police Force in India.
Colour Flag: The award is represented by a ceremonial flag that bears the unit’s insignia and motto, symbolizing its identity, legacy, and pride.
Historical Background: The tradition of presenting Colours dates back to colonial times, where flags represented a unit’s identity and the location of its commanders.
- On November 23, 1950, the British Indian Army’s ‘King’s Colour’ was formally retired at Chetwode Hall in Dehradun, paving the way for the introduction of the President’s Colours under the Republic of India.
- The Indian Navy was the first Indian Armed Force to receive the President’s Colours, awarded by Dr. Rajendra Prasad on May 27, 1951.
Ceremonial and Symbolic Value: While Colours are no longer carried into battle, they hold immense ceremonial significance, representing a unit’s honour and commitment to service.
Criteria for Award: The President’s Colours are awarded to units upon completing a specified period of exemplary service.

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