President Murmu Presents Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to President’s Bodyguard

New Delhi | October 1, 2025 President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday presented the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) during a ceremonial event at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The occasion marked the completion of 75 years since the elite cavalry regiment of the Indian Army was formally designated as the President’s Bodyguard in 1950. The ceremony, steeped in military tradition, also witnessed the presence of ‘Viraat’, the retired Commandant’s Charger, who has been a much-loved figure within the regiment. Viraat, who officially retired in 2022, was adopted by the PBG after his service, highlighting the deep and enduring bond between the regiment and its horses. The horse had earlier caught the nation’s eye during the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2022, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi affectionately patted him, a moment widely shared and remembered. Addressing the ceremony, President Murmu praised the PBG for its professional excellence, discipline, and unswerving commitment to the nation. She said the conferment of the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner was not merely an honour but also a “significant responsibility.” Expressing her confidence in the regiment, she added that the PBG would continue to uphold the glorious legacy built over centuries. The President’s Bodyguard holds the distinction of being the oldest regiment in the Indian Army, with its origins dating back to 1773 when it was raised as the Governor-General’s Bodyguard. Over time, it became known as the Viceroy’s Bodyguard before being renamed the President’s Bodyguard on January 27, 1950, following India’s transition to a republic. Since then, the regiment has served as the personal bodyguard of the President of India, performing both ceremonial and operational roles. The presentation of the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner is a unique tradition that began under India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who conferred the honour on the PBG on May 14, 1957. Since then, the ceremonial bestowal has come to symbolise the deep respect and trust reposed by the nation’s highest office in the regiment. Over the decades, the PBG has been associated with the finest military traditions, combining ceremonial splendour with operational readiness. Its troopers, mounted on their majestic steeds, have been a familiar and awe-inspiring sight at state ceremonies, Republic Day parades, and guard duties at Rashtrapati Bhavan. At the same time, the regiment has actively contributed to the Army’s operational commitments whenever called upon. Uniquely, the President’s Bodyguard is the only regiment in the Indian Army permitted to carry two ‘Standards’ – the President’s Standard of Body Guard and the Regimental Standard of The PBG. This rare distinction reflects its unparalleled status within the armed forces. The Diamond Jubilee presentation ceremony not only celebrated the PBG’s 75-year journey as the President’s Bodyguard but also underscored its continuing relevance in the modern era. With President Murmu’s words of encouragement and the reaffirmation of its ceremonial honour, the PBG stands poised to carry forward its proud traditions into the President Murmu Honours President’s Bodyguard At a ceremonial event in Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President’s Bodyguard, marking 75 years since the regiment was designated as PBG in 1950. She praised the unit’s discipline, excellence, and devotion to tradition, calling the honour a responsibility as well as recognition. The event also featured retired horse ‘Viraat’, adopted by the regiment after service, symbolising their unique bond with their steeds. Raised in 1773, the PBG remains the oldest regiment of the Indian Army and the only one permitted to carry two distinguished Standards.