3rd Battalion of Naga Regiment receives ‘President’s Colours’

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 06-03-2024

3rd Battalion of Naga Regiment receives ‘President’s Colours’

Defence 4 min read

On October 13, 2023, Army Chief General Manoj Pandey awarded the prestigious ‘President’s Colours’ to the 3rd Battalion of the Naga Regiment during a spectacular Colours Presentation Parade held at the Kumaon Regimental Center in Ranikhet (Uttarakhand).

After inspecting the parade, the Army Chief appreciated the rich traditions of the Naga Regiment in all spheres of military activities including operations, training and sports.
Army Chief General Manoj Pandey also praised the newly formed unit for its remarkable performance in a short period of time and conveyed his best wishes to all ranks to serve the nation with pride.

What is President Colours?

President's Colours are awarded to a military unit in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the nation in both war and peace.
The Indian Navy was the first Indian armed force to receive the President's Colours by the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on 27 May 1951.
The Colours, symbolized by a flag, were presented to the battalion at the Kumaon Regimental Center (KRC) in Ranikhet.
Also called 'marks', collars are a military tradition, and are seen as recognition of the battalion's feats. The 'Colours' symbolize the collective spirit and hard work or bravery of the battalion.
The tradition began under colonial rule, but on 23 November 1950, the 'King's Colour' of the erstwhile British Indian Regiment was buried at Chetwode Hall, Dehradun, to make way for the 'Colours' of the President of the Republic of India.
The Colours are presented by the President or the Army Chief on his behalf.

Naga Regiment:

The 1st battalion of the Naga Regiment (1 Naga) was raised on 1 November 1970 at the Kumaon Regimental Center under the command of Lieutenant Colonel RN Mahajan.
The 3rd Battalion of the Naga Regiment was raised on 1 October 2009 at Haldwani, situated amidst the Kumaon Hills, which is the headquarters of the Kumaon and Naga Regiment.

Importance of Colours for army:

Colours are considered a sacred symbol and are used by units and regiments of armies throughout the world.
The Colours of the regiment are gold, green and red – gold symbolizing the rising sun, green the symbol of infantry, and red the color of authority among the Nagas.