200 years of soldiering: 1/1Gorkha Regiment the First Battalion to be raised of Gorkha’s completes 200 years of dedicated service to the nation. 24th April 1815 was the day when the bravest were integrated with the Indian Forces (then British Indian). The people being mentioned here are the Gorkhas, and the celebration is because the Gorkha Regiment today completes 200 years in the Indian Forces. Considered to be the bravest and feared a lot amongst enemies, Gorkhas have proved their mettle time and again. The numerous military decorations won by the Gorkhas tells the tale of their bravery. Here are some facts related to Gorkhas:
Gorkha Regiment Completes 200 Years
- The Gorkhas became a part of the British Indian Army as per the terms of the Britain–India–Nepal
Tripartite Agreement. They have served in our army ever since then. - Gorkhas are the ethnic Nepali citizens or the Nepali citizens of India.
- Currently there are 39 battalions of Gorkhas, serving in 7 regiments, out of which 6 were transferred from the British Indian Army while one was formed after independence.
- The regiments are 1 Gorkha Rifles (5 Battalions), 3 Gorkha Rifles (5 Battalions), 4 Gorkha Rifles (5 Battalions), 5 Gorkha Rifles (6 Battalions), 8 Gorkha Rifles (6 Battalions), 9 Gorkha Rifles (6 Battalions), 11 Gorkha Rifles (7 Battalions and 1 Territorial Army Battalion).
- Gorkhas have received 3 Param Vir Chakras, the highest number, shared by the Grenadiers. PVC is the highest battle honor at the time of war.
- Considered one of the finest officers till date, Sam Manekshaw, the first Field Marshal of Indian Army, was from Gorkha Regiment.
- There is a statement by Manekshaw, which states “If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gorkha”.
- The insignia of the Gorkhas is a pair of crossed Khukris with the numeral of the regiment in-between, above or below.
- The battle cry is “Jai Maha Kali, Ayo Gorkhali”, which translates to “Hail Goddess Kali, The Gorkhas are here”.
