The 89 Armoured Regiment was presented the ‘Standard’ by Army Chief General Bikram Singh on behalf of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (President of India) at Khojatoli Parade Ground, Namkum on Saturday. The honour was bestowed upon the regiment for its 33 years of meritorious service to the nation.

Notably, such felicitations are presented to army units on the approval of Army Commander, in recognition of the meritorious services rendered on battlefield and off it.

The presentation was received by Captain (Capt) Ritesh Malhotra on behalf of this regiment. Highlighting the achievements of this regiment, Gen Bikram Singh informed that the regiment has participated in most operations undertaken by the Army since its raising. “In the course of discharging its duties in operations and peace, the regiment has been honoured with four Sena Medals, 10 Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards and 33 General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Commendation Cards,” said General Singh.

Also, he said, “The regiment has excelled in sports and adventure activities as well.”

The 89 Armoured Regiment was raised in 1980.  As about 11 out of 15 Commandants of the regiment till date witnessed this historic moment namely Brigadier (Brig) D Gole, Brig Ravi Bains, Colonel (Col) RC Rana, lieutenant (lt) Gen Anil Chait, lt Gen Anil Bhalla, Col Rohit Paree, Col SS Randhawa, Col RIS Mehta, Brig Akashdeep Bhanot, Col Sharad Rastogi and Col Koshal Panwar.

The parade involved both foot and mounted columns which marched in clockwork precision and with immaculate co-ordination. A formation of 25 roaring T-72 tanks marched down the parade including the ‘Standard’ presentation held by Capt Malhotra. Gen Singh was pleased with the parade presentation on this occasion commanded by Col Jagat Singh, (the Commandant of 89 Armoured Regiment). He said, “Drill and Turn Out were outstanding.” To mark this glorious chapter in the annuals of the regiment’s history, the chief released a ‘Special cover of the day’.

Significantly, the regiment has fought insurgency in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir and also took part in ‘Operation Vijay’, ‘Parakram’ and ‘Varuna’ proving its mettle in professionalism.According to a media release, the regiment has also organised welfare activities in remote areas of Jharkhand and provided aid to civil authorities, in service to the nation.