Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Apr 24: First battalion of the Ist Gorkha Rifles (1/1 GR) celebrated its Bi-centenary at Pathankot with vigour and enthusiasm today.
Hundreds of serving and veteran officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and other ranks, both from India and Nepal attended the function. The Battalion was raised on April 24, 1815 from the remnants of Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa’s forces who valiantly fought the British at the Malaun Fort near Shimla.
The raising of battalion signalled the birth of present day Gorkha Brigade. Over the last two centuries of the Battalion’s existence, it has time and again proven it’s worth by gallant actions in various fields of battle across the world, through the two World Wars, the Indo-Pak wars and in the conflicts of the sub-conventional realm.
Unit’s Bi-centenary celebrations commenced with a solemn memorial service in honour of the martyrs. Thereafter, a Guard of Honour was presented to Lt Gen Ravi Thodge, Colonel of the Regiment. He also addressed a Special Sainik Sammelan and released a befitting First Day Cover to commemorate the landmark occasion.
‘Veer Naris’ and Gallantry Awards winners were also felicitated during the event. The event was a re-union for erstwhile comrades-in-arms who travelled from across the globe to be together at this momentous once-in-a lifetime occasion. Veterans proudly brought their children and grand children to show them the oldest Gorkha Battalion, their home once. The spirit of bonhomie during the course of the re-union was witnessed amongst the veterans and those in the uniform.
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