27th Biennial Conference and 12th Reunion at Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee (December 7-9, 2022)
Nagpur, December 10. The 27th Biennial Conference and 12th Reunion of the Brigade of The Guards concluded at Regimental Centre at Kamptee Cantonment. The event was graced by veterans to include Ex Colonels of Regiment, Ex Centre Commandants and senior veterans of Brigade of The Guards. Biennial Conference was attended by Commanding Officers and Subedar Majors, of all GUARDS Battalions, Rastriya Rifle Battalion and Territorial Army Battalions of the regiment.
The Conference spanned over three days (07-09 December 2022). Lieutenant General MK Mago, AVSM, YSM, SM**, Colonel of the Brigade of The Guards presided over the Conference, which is the main forum for discussing regimental and operational issues pertaining to the regiment.
XII Reunion was also celebrated alongwith the Biennial Conference. Large number of Serving Officers, Veterans, Serving/ Retired Junior Commissioned Officers and Serving/Retired Other Ranks of the Brigade of The Guards fraternity graced the occasion. The reunion aims at acknowledging the contribution made by the veterans fondly called the ‘BUZURGS’ and provides an ideal forum for healthy discussions, building bonhomie, camaraderie and espirte-de-corps. The veterans regaled the audience by narrating their experiences. It was travel down the memory lane with some interesting, unusual anecdotes which even brought tears in the eyes of one and all. The War Widows (Veer Naris) were filled with pride when the courageous exploits of their brave husbands were recalled.
Wreath laying ceremony to pay homage to the valiant ‘Guardsmen’ who laid down their lives for their motherland at the Amar Yodha was followed by Splendid Sainik Sammelan. Keeping with the rich heritage and traditions of the regiment, the first day cover published by Army Postal Service to commemorate the occasion was formally released. A variety cultural programme, Reunion Dinner, a performance by the Guards Philharmonic Orchestra Band Concert and Inter Unit Volleyball Finals were the other highlights.
Brigade of The Guards is the senior most infantry regiment of the Indian Army conceived by Field Marshal KM Cariappa, on the lines of the British Guards. The Regiment was raised in 1950 with four of the oldest infantry battalions of the Indian Army. The Regiment subsequently grew and now comprises of 23 Battalions, imbibed with a rich heritage of bravery and professionalism. The motto of the Regiment is Pahla Hamesha Pahla and its been maintained it in all spheres of military matters, ranging from the battlefield to the sports arena. The Regiment has been bestowed with 10 Battle Honours and has an enviable tally of gallantry awards (2 ParamVir Chakra, 3 Ashok Chakra, 6 Mahavir Chakra, 5 Kirti Chakra, 42 Vir Chakra, 38 Shaurya Chakra & 215Sena Medal) which is a testament of its gallant sons.
Brigade of The Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee, which was host to the important event, is the alma matter of every soldier of the Regiment, whose military career begins here, with his training as a recruit, and also ends here, when he proceeds on retirement and becomes a veteran. The Regimental Centre is the repository of the rich culture and heritage of the Regiment.
