Bathinda, May 16
President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam today recommended equipping battle tanks with electronic warfare systems, secured communication systems, higher mobility and night fighting potential, to provide force multiplication for the Armoured Corps. He was presenting the Standard to the 68 Armoured Regiment here today.Praising all ranks of the regiment for the yeoman service rendered by them, the President said the regiment had displayed unparalleled gallantry in operations like Cactus “Lily”, “Trident”, “Rakshak”, “Vijay” and “Prakram”.
He recalled the sacrifices made by Risaldar Bahadur Singh, Lieut-Col B.S. Lamba, and Risaldars Ram Nath Singh and Ram Singh. He said the government has taken a number of steps to modernise the forces for enhancing combat capabilities.
Dr Kalam said periodical training of 68 Armoured Regiment with different troops was essential for the growth of the regiment as well as secured networking of regiment sub-units to their HQs and important locations.
He lauded the regiment for its welfare activities like free medical camps in nearby villages. He said this would go a long way in strengthening the bond between the armed forces and citizens.
He asked the regiment to undertake plantation for augmenting green cover. He said the government was aware of the hardships being faced by the troops deployed in difficult areas and it was making efforts to
improve their quality of life.
For troops in peace areas, the government was making concerted efforts to enhance accommodation amenities and also to provide better educational facilities to their children.
Concluding his address, the President said: “I pray the Almighty that this Standard will motivate you to demonstrate many more ‘Prakrams’ and bring ‘Vijay’ in all your endeavours.”
Earlier, the President presented the Standard to 68 Armoured Regiment at an impressive mounted parade of T-72 M1 tanks for outstanding services during war and peace. Col A.S. Kler, whose father, Lieut-Gen G.S. Kler, had also served the regiment, was the Parade Commander.
Dr Kalam inspected the parade comprising 31 battle tanks. The Standard was then brought to the parade ground and placed on a pile of drums. Considered the most sacred in the regiment, It is never placed on the ground. Capt Pawanjeet Singh Bhullar, whose father Major GS Bhullar (retd) is one of the forefathers of the regiment, was the Nishan Officer. With Army bands playing ‘Mera Bharat mahan’ in the background, the President walked towards the parade ground and presented the Standard to Capt Bhullar.
The President released an information brochure to commemorate the occasion. He was given a memento by the regiment. Interacting with jawans, Dr Kalam said they had always discharged their duty with devotion on borders. Col Kler presented ‘Regiment’s Moments’ to the President. Punjab Chief Minister Cap Amarinder Singh was also present.
The Colonel of the regiment, Brig Prabir Goswami, Maj-Gen Omit Sarkar and a large number of serving and retired officers, JCOs and other ranks attended the ceremonial function.
