Saturday, Apr 27, 2024 | Last Update : 03:33 AM IST
‘Light-footed’ Maratha Light Infantry to celebrate 250 years
With Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the regimental icon, their motto is “Duty. Honour. Courage”.
New Delhi: One of the oldest Army regiments in India and most decorated, the Maratha Light Infantry will kickoff year-long celebrations from Sunday to mark the 250th year of its raising.
February 4 is a special day for the regiment as it marks Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji’s conquest of Fort Kondana in 1670.
Lt. Gen. P.J.S. Pannu, Colonel of the Maratha Light Infantry (LI), had an interesting anecdote to share on Friday: “It is the first infantry to be designated as a light infantry during the British Raj as the British found Maratha warriors to be very light-footed.”
“What is remarkable about the Maratha warriors is their adaptability. From extreme high altitude areas to deserts, they can swiftly adapt to their surroundings very fast. Put them in water and they swim like fish besides having the amazing ability to climb the steepest mountains and peak,” he added about his regiment, which has been decorated with 56 battle honours till date, including two Victoria Crosses won during the Second World War.
With Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the regimental icon, their motto is “Duty. Honour. Courage”.
“We are drawing our roadmap for the year. Our infantry is affiliated with INS Mumbai and 20th Air Force Squadron (Sukhoi). So, plan is also to have celebrations there in conjunction with them,” Lt. Gen. Pannu said.
The 1st Maratha Light Infantry was raised as “Jangi Paltan” of the 2nd Bombay Sepoy. It has won 14 battle honours pre-1914, 16 battle honours during the First World War and a few after Independence.
Col. Saurabh S. Shekhawat, winner of a Kirti Chakra, a Shaurya Chakra, a Seva Medal and a Vishisht Seva Medal, told PTI that he is proud of being part of an infantry that has produced “two special forces”.
Sachin Bali, 40, a former Army officer, who left the force after sustaining grievous injuries in hands and foot during an avalanche rescue mission and is now working in the corporate sector, said: “Maratha Light Infantry members are fierce yet humble. I may have left it, but it is still my family.”
