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Ms Patil, the supreme commander of the armed
forces, presented the colours to 5 Armoured Regiment,
6 Lancers, 70 Armoured Regiment, 73 Armoured Regiment
and 74 Armoured Regiment, all under command of
1 Armoured Division.
Congratulating the armoured regiments on this
occasion, she said: "The history of your
regiments spanning over 44 years is replete with
examples of heroism, professionalism and devotion
to duty, in the highest traditions of the Indian
Army. Your services to the nation have been laudable,
and your regiments have always risen to the occasion
in the security of the nation."
"The sacrifices and professionalism now
expected of you, are more than even before, and
I have no doubt in my mind that you will strive
with dedication to keep the standards flying high,"
she said in her speech.
Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil, Indian Army chief
General V.K. Singh and senior army officers were
present on the occasion.
"The presentation of colours is a martial
legacy centuries old and is reminiscent of heroic
deeds of bygone battles. While the practice of
carrying colours into battle has died out, the
great tradition of receiving, holding and parading
the colours continues undiminished. The Colours
remain a symbol of the spirit of the unit and
a link with its glorious past," an army spokesman
said.
Meanwhile, an officer said that this was only
the second time in the history of independent
India that five armoured regiments received standards
on one day.
(IANS)
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