Maratha Light Infantry: 250 –Year –Old Regiment Celebrates Maratha Day With Grandeur

The MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army is celebrating 250th raising day this year.

On 04 February 2018, a coffee table book on the Maratha Regiment history, “Victory and Valour” was released by the Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre, Shri Sambhaji Raje, Honble MP Rajya Sabha, Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff, Gen JJ Singh, former COAS and Lieutenant General PJS Pannu, Colonel of The Maratha Light Infantry Regiment at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

February 04 also has a historical significance as on this day in 1670 Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, conquered Fort Kondhana famously known as Sinhgarh near Pune in Maharashtra and Maratha Light Infantry battalions posted across the country celebrate this day as ‘MARATHA DAY’.

The celebrations of 250 glorious years commenced at The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Belagavi with an impressive Commemoration Parade at Talekar Drill square on 04 February morning, comprising the contingents of The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Bombay Engineer Group, Pune and contingent from Air Force Training Institute Sambra commanded by a lady officer Flight Lieutenant Poonam Yadav with their bands participating for the first time at the MARATHA LIRC. Lieutenant General PJS Pannu, Colonel of The Maratha Light Infantry Regiment reviewed the parade and to grace this occasion Honorary Colonel of the Maratha Regiment General JJ Singh (Retd) along with various dignitaries was also in attendance.

A solemn wreath laying ceremony was held at war memorial to pay homage to the valiant soldiers who laid down their lives to uphold the honour and pride of the regiment and country. Lieutenant General PJS Pannu, Colonel of the Regiment, serving and veteran officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and other civil dignitaries honored the martyrs and laid wreath at war memorial.

While paying obeisance to the valiant brethren who laid down their lives in the line of duty, sacrifices of their families were also acknowledged by way of felicitation of Veer Naris. A token of gratitude to these families was presented by Mrs Anmol Pannu, First Lady of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and a women empowerment centre was also inaugurated by her to embolden the Veer Naris of the regiment and make them self reliant.

A newly constructed ‘Hall of Valour’ Museum was inaugurated by Lieutenant General PJS Pannu which portrays the story of valour and sacrifice of the Maratha soldiers. A Special Sainik Sammelan and Family Welfare Meet was also organized to felicitate Gallant Soldiers and Veer Naris.