India's most decorated regiment, 'Snow Tigers' get President’s colours

A ceremonial parade was conducted as per the highest military traditions of the Indian Army which was attended by a spectrum of civil and military dignitaries including the Governor and Chief Minister

Jammu, Aug 21: Decorated with 605 gallantry and distinguished service awards, Ladakh Scouts on Monday got President's Colours from Ram Nath Kovind at Leh.

The President arrived in Leh on a day's visit to Jammu and Kashmir. It is Kovind's first visit outside Delhi after assuming the office earlier this month. "The President of India Ram Nath Kovind on Monday presented the President's Colours to Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre and all five battalions of the regiment," defence spokesman said.

Ceremonial parade

A ceremonial parade was conducted as per the highest military traditions of the Indian Army which was attended by a spectrum of civil and military dignitaries including the Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, he added.

The Chief of the Army Staff, GOC-in-C Northern Command, GOC 14 Corps besides a large number of serving and retired personnel witnessed the grand ceremony. He said that the President complimented the Ladakh Scouts personnel for their outstanding performance in all spheres and their exceptional valour and sacrifice while upholding the sovereignty of the nation in Ladakh region especially in the Siachen Glacier.

He appreciated the exceptional gallantry and indomitable courage displayed by the brave soldiers during all major wars and operations since independence which have earned them 605 gallantry and distinguished service awards besides, Battle Honours of Batalik and Turtuk, Theatre Honour Kargil and the coveted Chief of the Army Staff Banner for Valour and Sacrifice, making them one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army.

He exhorted all personnel to continue to striving hard in pursuit of excellence in all spheres and take a solemn vow to defend the sovereignty of the nation against all odds in the true spirit signified by the Colours presented to the regiment.

The President released a documentary movie on Col Sonam Wangchuk, MVC, and also interacted with the veterans and 'Veer Naris', besides the gallantry awardees and complimented them.

Who are Ladakh Scouts?

The Ladakh Scouts is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army, nicknamed the "Snow Warriors" or "Snow Tigers". Specializing in mountain warfare, the regiment's primary role is to guard India's borders in the high altitude areas of the Ladakh region, as well as Jammu & Kashmir in general.

Raised as a Nurba Gaurds in 1948, the Ladakh Scouts were converted into an Army regiment in 2000. The Ladakh Scouts are recruited mainly from India's Ladakhi and Tibetan communities and are among the Indian Army's most decorated units. Its soldiers have been honored with over 300 gallantry awards and citations including one Ashok Chakra, eleven Maha Vir Chakras and two Kirti Chakras.

The regiment consists of five battalions with support personnel affiliated to other arms of the army. On 2nd June 2013, it celebrated its Golden Jubilee.

Gallantry Awards

Maha Vir Chakra Recipients: Major Sonam Wangchuk, Batalik Sector, Kargil War.

Among the awards conferred on the soldiers of the Ladakh Scouts are:
1 Ashok Chakra
11 Maha Vir Chakras
2 Kirti Chakras
26 Vir Chakras
6 Shaurya Chakras
3 Yudh Seva Medals
2 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals
13 Vishisht Seva Medals
64 Sena Medals
13 Mentions-in-Dispatches
67 Chief Of Army Staff commendation cards
2 Jeevan Raksha Padaks

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