President's Bodyguard complete glorious & grand 250 years

The President's Bodyguard (PBG) is all set to celebrate its 250 grand years on November 16. The pomp, the valour, the grandeur, and, most importantly, its long history are what makes the President's Bodyguard India's most elite of the elite force. The senior-most regiment of the Indian Army forms the bedrock of the PBG, ensuring the proper preservation of its 250-year-long legacy, which is older than the history of the USA, to put it more contextually. 

It is a matter of immense pride as the PBG celebrates its 250 years of being the President’s troops, always by the side of the head of the state whether in peace or wartime. The 6-feet and above tall men, mounted on some of the best horses in the world weighing more than 500 kgs, are some of the best the world can speak of. Not just exceptional horse riders but also excellent paratroopers and Tankmen, these officers, JCOs, and soldiers provide the president with security of unmatched quality. Founded by British Governor General Warren Hastings in 1773, the PBG till 1950 was called the Governor General’s Bodyguard. Post that, it was rechristened to its present nomenclature. 

On the occasion of the full dress rehearsal of its 250-year celebration, the Republic got an opportunity to speak to the towering Commandant of the PBG, Colonel Amit Berwal, and other personnel of the regiment. According to the Cmdt, “In addition to its grandeur, and ceremonial charm, the President's Bodyguard comprises the best warriors of the Indian Army. All these towering men with exceptional riding skills are also expert paratroopers and Tankmen who possess the capability of protecting the head of the state under any threat or attack.” 

The Republic also spoke to Major Vaibhav of PBG who further added, “The PBG is made of the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army. Its traditions have been passed down from generations, and high-quality training ensures that the customs and traditions within its culture are kept intact.” 

Lt Col Sanjeev Mallick from AMC, currently posted with the PBG, who recently made the country proud with his 5 gold medal-win at the 42 World Medicine and Health Games in Colombia said, “The officers, JCOs, and Jawans of the PBG have a very strict fitness routine, and they meticulously adhere to it to remain champions.”

The Deputy Commandant of PBG, Lt Col Ramakant feels, “The honour and tradition of PBG are 250 years old, and we feel immensely proud to celebrate this occasion with our honourable president Smt Droupadi Murmu.” 

Apart from daredevil horse drills, the routine and wartime ceremonies of PBG are also world-famous. It will be a big miss if we do not talk about the age-old Silver trumpet and banner ceremony that takes place when a new President takes over. Started during the tenure of the late First President of Independent India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, this ceremony was last conducted in 2022 by President Droupadi Murmu. So far, it was only on two occasions, in 1962 and 1969, when the ceremony was not conducted owing to the Sino-India war and the death of the then-in-chair president Dr Zakir Hussain. 

The full dress rehearsal of the PBG was an elaborate affair with a colourful, brightly lit, grand, and celebratory display of the skills of the sharp warriors from different regiments that are the essence of the PBG. The rehearsal exhibited everything that the sestercentennial President's Bodyguard is made of.