Behrampur: President Ram Nath Kovind awarded the President’s Colours to the Corps of Army Air Defence at Gopalpur Military Station on Saturday in honour of its completion of 25 years as an independent arm.
The President’s Colours was received by the Army AD Centre.
The President’s Colours is the highest honour bestowed upon a regiment of the Armed Forces in recognition of its invaluable contribution to the security of the nation during peace and hostilities.
Addressing the gathering, the President recalled the glorious legacy of the Indian Armed Forces, in particular the Corps of Army Air Defence, in protecting the nation’s unity, integrity and sovereignty.
During World War- II, the Air Defence troops had participated in various operations like Burma campaign, Seige of Imphal and Kohima, and recapture of Rangoon, etc.
The Air Defence has been in existence since 1940 as a part of Corps of Artillery. It, however, got recognition as an independent arm in 1994.
The Corps of Army Air Defence has been awarded with two Ashoka Chakras, two Kirti Chakras, 20 Vir Chakras, nine Shaurya Chakras, 113 Sena Medals and 55 Mention-In-Despatches in addition to four Honour Titles awarded during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Earlier, the President was presented the Rashtriya Salute at an impressive parade led by the contingent.
Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal and senior government officials were present on the occasion.
