On June 1, the most decorated regiment of the Indian army, ‘Ladakh Scouts’ nicknamed as the ‘Snow Warriors’ or ‘Snow Leopards’ celebrated their diamond jubilee. They came into existence 60 years ago after their valorous performance in the Kargil war; it was converted into a regiment in 2000.
A Leh-based defence spokesman stated, “The regiment commemorated this occasion with a series of grand events and paid heartfelt tributes to its heroes”. He added, “the diamond jubilee was celebrated over two days, highlighting its rich heritage, glorious traditions and remarkable achievements”.
The eternal flames from the war memorials at Siachen, Kargil, and Rezang La were brought to Leh for the jubilee celebrations.
The leh-based defence spokesperson talked about the bravery of the regiment, “Ladakh is a land of warriors that has produced legends like Col Chhewang Rinchen. He was awarded the MVC, the second highest gallantry award of the country, at the young age of 17 when he had not even donned his uniform”.
Then the spokesperson talked about the history of the regiment, “When Pakistan attempted to annex Gilgit in 1948 and threatened Ladakh, the locals from Nubra, Shyok and Indus Valley came forward to protect their motherland. They formed the gallant force’ Nubra guards’ that faced insurmountable odds and held back the adversary at bay for 53 days”. The 7th J&K Militia was formed out of the Nubra Guards. The 14th J&K Militia was created in Srinagar on May 2, 1959.
He added, “Both Militia Battalions bravely faced the Chinese in 1962. Post-war, both battalions were amalgamated on June 1, 1963, and Scouts was born”.
The Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand stated, “Ladakh Scouts has played a major role in all conflicts and wars fought after independence. Despite being the youngest infantry regiment of the Indian army, it is one of the most decorated regiments, being awarded with an Ashok Chakra, 10 Maha Vir Chakras, two Kirti Chakras, 26 Veer Chakras, six Shaurya Chakras and 79 Sena Medals”.
He added, “These awards are an indelible testament to the bravery and valour of this regiment. Being permanently deployed in extremely high-altitude areas, the regiment has time and again proven its dedication to the nation and steadfast resolve”.
The Lt Col emphasised that it is an incredible accomplishment, unheard of in the Indian Army, that over the past year, all units and the regimental centre have received either the COAS unit citation or the GOC-in-C recognition.
The Ladakh Scouts held diamond jubilee celebrations from May 31 to June 1. The regiment commemorated the occasion with a series of events, heartfelt tributes to its heroes, highlighting the regiment’s rich heritage, gallant traditions and remarkable achievements.
The senior serving officers of the regiment, including Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, general officer commanding in chief of the northern command, attended the celebrations. Lt Gen Dwivedi is also the colonel of the regiment of Ladakh Scouts.
As per the press release, “Other esteemed dignitaries included former Commandants of LSRC, Lt Gen SS Grewal (Retd.), and Lt Gen. Shusheel Gupta (Retd.); Commandant LSRC, Col RS Parihar, VC University of Ladakh, Prof. SK Mehta, officers of the Indian Army, Gallantry Awardees, Veer Naris, Veterans/Ex-servicemen of Ladakh Scouts, and a large number of guests from different parts of Ladakh and the country”.
Even the BJP leader Tashi Gyalson attended the celebrations who is also the chief executive councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC). During his keynote address, he said “It is indeed a moment of pride for the people of Ladakh as we celebrate the sixty glorious years of Ladakh Scouts. Today, we commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of this esteemed regiment, which is an integral part of the Indian Army. Ladakh Scouts is not merely an army regiment, it is a lifeline for the people of Ladakh. We have witnessed the glories of Ladakh Scouts, and the entire Ladakhi community takes immense pride in how far we have come. Ladakh Scouts is a gift from the people of Ladakh to the nation, where our brave soldiers have safeguarded the crucial borders and made significant sacrifices to uphold the integrity of our nation”.
The LAHDC has declared this year as Year of Ladakh Scouts” , Gyalson added. He lastly thanked the regiment for their contribution and talked about the upcoming Foundation Day of Ladakh, “We are planning a grand celebration on August 5, 2023, on the occasion of the UT Foundation Day of Ladakh. This celebration will bring together people from different parts of Ladakh to pay heartfelt tribute to the Ladakh Scouts for their immeasurable contributions in service to the nation. We would also like to extend our appreciation to various stakeholders, including the Ladakh Travel Trade Alliance and all Ladakh Transport Association Leh, for their support in celebrating the 60 glorious years of Ladakh Scouts this year. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and good wishes to all on this auspicious occasion and express sincere gratitude for your selfless services to the nation. Jai Hind”.
The jubilee celebration featured lively cultural performances by Ladakhi artists, LSRC Jazz Bands, and well-known performers like Phuntsog Ladakhi. During the celebration, the dignitaries and collaborators were recognised and felicitated.
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