President of India presents Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President’s Bodyguard

Tags: National News

President Draupadi Murmu presents the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President's Bodyguards (PBG) during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 27, 2022.

Important facts

• The event is special because the President's bodyguards are celebrating 250 years of its founding.

• It is being celebrated along with the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' being celebrated across the country.

About President’s Bodyguard

• The President's Bodyguard is the oldest regiment of the Indian Army.

• It was established in 1773 as the Governor-General's bodyguard (later the Viceroy's bodyguard).

• As the personal guard of the President of India, it is the only military unit of the Indian Army which has the privilege of carrying the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner of the President.

• In the year 1923, this honor was given to the bodyguards of the President by the then Viceroy Lord Reading on the occasion of completion of 150 years of service of the bodyguards.

• After that all the Viceroys presented silver trumpets and trumpet banners to the bodyguards.

• On January 27, 1950, the regiment was renamed as President's Bodyguard.

• Each President continued the practice of honoring this regiment.

• Instead of a coat of arms (the custom in the colonial era), the president's monogram appears on the banner.

• The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad presented his Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President's bodyguards on May 14, 1957.

• The President's bodyguards were formed in Banaras (Varanasi) by the then Governor-General Warren Hastings.

• Its initial strength was 50 cavalry, later another 50 cavalry were also included in it.

• The President's bodyguards consist of selected male soldiers with certain physical characteristics.