President Murmu Presents Special Honour to President’s Bodyguard on 75 Years of Service

In a historic and ceremonial moment, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event marked 75 years since the unit was designated as the President’s Bodyguard in 1950, recognising its glorious service, traditions, and professionalism.

Legacy of the President’s Bodyguard

• The PBG is the oldest regiment of the Indian Army, originally raised in 1773 at Banaras (Varanasi) by Governor-General Warren Hastings as the Governor-General’s Bodyguard (later the Viceroy’s Bodyguard).
• Initially comprising 50 cavalry troopers, the unit was later expanded.
• On January 27, 1950, it was officially renamed the President’s Bodyguard after India became a Republic.
• In 1957, President Dr. Rajendra Prasad presented the first Silver Trumpet and Banner to the regiment.
• The PBG is the only regiment permitted to hold two Standards:

1. The President’s Standard of Bodyguard
2. The Regimental Standard of the PBG

Role and Selection

The PBG is a select ceremonial cavalry unit, with soldiers chosen through a rigorous selection process based on physical attributes, discipline, and skill.

Mounted on impeccable war horses and clad in ceremonial attire, they combine the traditional ethos of horsed cavalry with the modern professionalism of the Indian Army.

Since independence, the PBG has served one Governor General and 15 Presidents of India, making it a unique military unit deeply woven into the history of the nation.

Significance of the Honour

The presentation of the Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Banner symbolises the nation’s gratitude for the PBG’s 75 years of distinguished service to the Republic of India.

The regiment continues to stand as a living symbol of discipline, heritage, and loyalty, representing the prestige of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the pride of the Indian Army.