Thaindian News

Patiala (Punjab), Nov 27 (IANS) President Pratibha Patil Sunday honoured five armoured regiments of the Indian Army by presenting them standards in this Punjab town.

Patil, the supreme commander of the armed forces, presented the colours to 5 Armoured Regiment, 6 Lancers, 70 Armoured Regiment, 73 Armoured Regiment and 74 Armoured Regiment, all under command of 1 Armoured Division.

Congratulating the armoured regiments on this occasion, Patil said: “The history of your regiments spanning over 44 years is replete with examples of heroism, professionalism and devotion to duty, in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Your services to the nation have been laudable, and your regiments have always risen to the occasion in the security of the nation.”

“The sacrifices and professionalism now expected of you, are more than even before, and I have no doubt in my mind that you will strive with dedication to keep the standards flying high,” she said in her speech.

Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil, Indian Army chief General V.K. Singh and senior army officers were present on the occasion.

“The presentation of colours is a martial legacy centuries old and is reminiscent of heroic deeds of bygone battles. While the practice of carrying colours into battle has died out, the great tradition of receiving, holding and parading the colours continues undiminished. The Colours remain a symbol of the spirit of the unit and a link with its glorious past,” an army spokesman said.

Meanwhile, an officer said that this was only the second time in the history of independent India that five armoured regiments received standards on one day.