New Delhi, Mar 31: President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday presented the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the elite President's Bodyguard (PBG) in a colourful ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan here.
Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the President's Bodyguard for upholding the highest military traditions and discipline.
He said he was confident that the regiment would continue to uphold the lofty values of professionalism, dedication and commitment that they had displayed over the years.
Mukherjee also took the opportunity to applaud all the officers and ranks of the President's Bodyguard, past and present, and their families for their unstinted devotion and selfless dedication to the nation and wished the men of the force success in all their endeavours.
The ceremony began when the President arrived in his ceremonial horse carriage. He was given the national salute by the PBG personnel after which he reviewed the parade from a special vehicle.
Soon after Mukherjee formally handed over the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President's Bodyguard. This was followed by an audio visual presentation highlighting the history and significance of the Silver Trumpet, Trumpet Banner and the modern day role of the PBG.
Spectators present in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan were enthralled when PBG personnel on the backs of their trained horses showcased traditional Indian equestrian skills.
A spectacular performance of a musical ride on the tunes of Naval Band was performed for the first time in India, setting the tone of the evening.
But the highlight of the show was a sensational display of the show jumping team of PBG. Some breathtaking display of show and trick jumping which involved horses jumping over obstacles and parked cars left the audience spellbound.
The Trumpet ceremony happens every time a new President takes office. Mukherjee became the country's 12th head of the state to present the award to the elite forces.
The Trumpet and Trumpet Banner is carried on subsequent mounted parades by the PBG. The Banner bears the symbols of the State Emblem with the initials of the President in the centre.
The ceremony has been in existence since 1923 when Lord Reading awarded two trumpets when the elite force completed its 150 years. PBG was formed by the first Governor General of India Warren Hastings in 1773 who chose 50 handpicked men to create the elite force.
PBG, which is completing 240 years of distinguished service this year, is the senior most unit of the Indian Army and probably the oldest in the world.
This elite body of troops is the only regiment whose troops are trained horsemen, paratroopers and tankmen. The PBG today comprises of four officers, 14 Junior Commissioned Officers and 161 bodyguards - backed up by administrative support personnel.
