One of the key highlights of the Republic Day function is the arrival of the President of India to inspect the parade accompanied by his famed mounted bodyguards.

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The men, famously known as ‘The President’s Bodyguard’ are the senior most regiment of the Indian Army, who besides providing security to the president, are a key part of all official and ceremonial functions.

The President's Bodyguard, the oldest surviving mounted unit with a 245-year legacy, is made up of almost 200 soldiers and represents supreme and selfless service.

Raised in 1773 at Benares by the then governor Warren Hasting to protect the governor general, the regiment was first named 'The Guard of Moguls.' The regiment, has since then renamed several times before it became officially named as The President’s Bodyguard on January 26, 1950.

Formed as an elite cavalry unit, the role of the regiment, as per the raising charter is "to act as bodyguard to the governor in peace and to accompany him as commander-in-chief in battle".

Though, their primarily function is to provide security to the state head, they also boast a combat experience in numerous battlefields starting from 19th century Egypt to Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the planet. They also distinguished themselves as an elite unit as part of Indian United Nations contingents in Somalia, Angola and Sierra Leone.

Besides being experts in there ceremonial duties, the bodyguards are trained combat paratroopers and armoured vehicle crewmen. They are also trained to suit various combat roles.

First Published:Jan 26, 2019 6:05 AM IST