General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff presented the President’s Colours to two Battalions of the MARATHA Light Infantry – 23 MARATHA Light Infantry and 24 MARATHA Light Infantry at the MARATHA Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Belgaum on 03 Nov 17. The Ceremonial Parade was commanded by Brigadier Govind Kalwad, Commandant, MARATHA Light Infantry Regimental Centre. The President’s Colours were received by Maj Shourabh Modak and Maj Karan Joseph of the two Units, respectively.
Award of President’s Colours to a Battalion is an honour, bestowed upon in recognition of exceptional service rendered by it to the Nation both during war and peace and adorns a place of pride in the Battalion. MARATHA Light Infantry has a glorious history and has been conferred with eight Battle Honours, five Theatre Honours, five Maha Vir Chakras, five Ashok Chakras, 44 Vir Chakras and 15 Kirti Chakras along with various other decorations.
The ceremonial parade was attended by a spectrum of high ranking military and civil dignitaries to include Mr Prabhakar Kore, MP (Rajya Sabha), Mr Suresh Angadi, MP (Belgavi Constituency). General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff complimented the Regiment for its outstanding performance in all spheres of operational and peacetime commitments. He exhorted all ranks to continue striving for excellence and keep the nation’s flag flying high in times to come. After presentation of colours, the Chief interacted with soldiers and their families. During his interaction with troops Chief of Army Staff awarded Commendation Cards in recognition of distinguished services rendered by select officers and other ranks of the Regimental Centre. The General was also taken around the Regimental Archives and Historical Section of Maratha Centre showcasing the history of the Regiment.