Amritsar, December 4 , Border Security Force, India’s First Line of Defence, organized a ceremonial parade at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (Punjab) on the occasion of its 58th Raising Day.
Border Security Force, the world’s largest border guarding force is deployed along 6386.36 km of International Border with Pakistan and Bangladesh. For the first time in the history of 57 years, this ceremonial Raising Day Parade has been organized in the holy city Amritsar (Punjab), in a rich traditional atmosphere of fervour and gaiety. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai took salute of the impressive parade as the Chief Guest.
During his address on the occasion, the Minister lauded the parade and the decision to organize the event in Amritsar, Punjab and the significance of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” being commemorated this year. Paying rich tributes to the bravehearts of BSF who laid down their lives in the line of duty, he reminisced the role of BSF in various historic events like the 1971 War when BSF personnel fought bravely against a numerically superior force despite being in the nascent stage of its raising.
He lauded the role of BSF as India’s First Line of Defence while deployed in every kind of terrain and extreme weather, the various welfare measures that have been implemented in the forces by Government of India and made special mention of the Plantation Drive made by BSF. He said that the nation is grateful and will always stand by the security forces for the dedicated service to the motherland. He applauded the role of BSF in protecting the sovereignty of the nation and said that the Government of India will leave no stone unturned to provide the best technological equipment, and infrastructure facilities to ensure that the operational challenges arising due to the present day geo-political scenario are fully met. Stating that all welfare requirements of troops will be accorded top priority, he elucidated the various programmes which have been initiated by the Government of India to ensure that all force personnel and their families are cared for. He also emphasised on the importance of border area development and the proactive role being played by BSF for the addressing the same.
During the parade, well turned out contingents of different Frontiers of Border Security Force marched past the inspection dais, showcasing the Seema Praharis’ valour, saga and commitment to the nation. The parade comprised a march past of 12 foot contingents including Mahila Prahari contingent, decorated officers & men, the famed Camel contingent and Camel Band, mounted column, Dog squad, communication contingent displaying the technological advances by the force, special appearance by BSF Bagpipers (men & women).
He also visited the ‘BSF Martyr’s Column at SHQ BSF Khasa, Amritsar (Punjab) and laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Column of the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
He bestowed the Force personnel with Police Medals for Gallantry to NoK of bravehearts who made the sacrifice in the line of duty and to the serving BSF personnel, and President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to serving and retired personnel for their services. The prestigious ‘General Choudhary Trophy’ was awarded to 66 Bn BSF for their exceptional performance. He also released the annual ‘Borderman’ Magazine of the Force.
A thrilling Dog show by NTCD BSF trained dogs, battle drills show by Camel mounted praharis, Horse contingent, Gajraj & Chetak Drill by CSMT BSF team that involved dismantling, obstacle crossing and assembly of motor vehicle, adrenaline packed daredevil motorcycle show by Seema Bhawani women team and Jaanbaaz mens team.
Earlier, last evening on 03rd December 2022, Nityanand Rai visited borders areas of JCP Attari, witnessed “Beating the Retreat” Ceremony parade and BOP Pulmoran in Amritsar sector where he was given an operational briefing regarding the security scenario. Hon’ble Minister later addressed the gallant Seema Praharis at BOP Pulmoran in a Sainik Sammelan, partook dinner with troops during Barakhana and halted for the night at the BOP.
On this occasion, Director General, Border Security Force, Pankaj Kumar Singh, summarizing the historical aspects of the force in his address, described the journey of BSF which after being raised with just 25 battalions has now evolved into the largest border guarding force of the world with 193 battalions and a strength of more than 2.65 lakh brave men and women deployed in every kind of extreme terrain, temperatures and other challenging scenarios.
DG BSF also emphasised the achievements of various formations and institutions of BSF in the areas of operations, sports, adventure, welfare, bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries and various other fields.
