President Droupadi Murmu honored the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) with a diamond jubilee silver trumpet and trumpet banner during a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday. This tribute marks 75 years since the unit earned its official name as the PBG back in 1950.
In her short speech, Murmu shared how proud the nation feels about the PBG. She praised their top-notch skills and strong commitment to military traditions. “This honor brings big responsibilities,” she added, confident that every member understands the weight of it.
The event also featured a heartwarming guest: Viraat, the retired commandant’s charger horse who stepped away from duty in 2022. The PBG adopted Viraat after retirement, highlighting the deep connection between the soldiers and their horses. Fun fact—Prime Minister Narendra Modi even gave Viraat a pat during the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2022.
Diving into its rich history, the PBG stands as the Indian Army’s oldest regiment. British Governor-General Warren Hastings formed it in 1773 in Banaras (now Varanasi), starting with 50 cavalry troopers and soon adding another 50 horsemen. Originally known as the Governor-General’s Bodyguard and later the Viceroy’s Bodyguard, it got its current name on January 27, 1950. India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad, gifted the unit its first silver trumpet and banner on May 14, 1957.
What sets the PBG apart? It’s the only regiment allowed two special standards: the President’s Standard and the Regimental Standard. Today, the PBG consists of carefully selected soldiers who pass tough physical tests. They ride stunning war horses while wearing striking ceremonial uniforms, mixing ancient cavalry spirit with the Indian Army’s modern edge.
Since India’s independence in 1947, the PBG has protected one Governor-General and all 15 Presidents. This elite group weaves right into the story of Rashtrapati Bhavan, each President’s era, and the broader legacy of the Indian Army.
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