On the occasion of “Sharqat Day”, the victory of the gallant soldiers of 114 MAHRATTAS (now The MARATHA Light Infantry Regimental Centre) on 29 Oct 1918 in Mesopotamia (now Iraq), The MARATHA Light Infantry Regimental Centre celebrated the “Sharqat Centenary” with grandeur.
The 114 MAHRATTAS scripted an immortal saga with their valour, mettle, and endurance and in recognition of their gallant courage and sacrifice the battalion was awarded the Battle Honour “SHARQAT”. On 29 Oct 2018, Army Officers and Soldiers paid homage to the gallant soldiers who sacrificed their lives by laying wreaths at War Memorial.
To grace, this august occasion Gen Bipin Rawat, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Army Staff, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur and Rajyasabha MP Sambhaji Maharaj witnessed the grand events and cultural programmes showcased by the soldiers of The MARATHA Light Infantry Regimental Centre. The programmes encompassed the snippets of the “Sharqat Battle”, the traditional gymnastic sport Malkhamb, folk dance
Lezim, and Jhanj, Zumba dance and gymnastic events displayed by the soldiers and recruits of the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre.
To mark the occasion of Sharqat Centenary a Sharqat War Trophy was also unveiled by the Chief along with Honorary Col of the Regt Gen JJ Singh (Retd). The COAS in his address to the gathering lauded the efforts of the Maratha soldiers and recruits. He mentioned that the Maratha LI Regiment is blessed with the kind of resilient and gritty troops who have brought laurels for the country and would continue to keep the Regiments flag flying high.
The cultural evening culminated with the Chief and all dignitaries dining with the troops and families at the Shantaram Jadhav PT Arena of Regimental Centre.