In a significant visit, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), toured the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand. During his visit, General Pande meticulously reviewed the regimental centre’s training activities and infrastructure, which are crucial for preparing soldiers for the challenges of modern warfare.
The COAS expressed his admiration for the high training standards and professional excellence maintained by all ranks at the centre. His commendation highlights the regiment’s ongoing commitment to excellence in military training and operational readiness.
The Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, a cornerstone of military training for the Indian Army, is located at an altitude of 5800 feet above sea level. The site, originally known as Kalundanda, was renamed Lansdowne in 1890 in honor of Lord Henry Lansdowne, the then Viceroy of India. The first battalion of the Garhwal Rifles moved to the area on November 4, 1887, setting the stage for a long history of military excellence.
Each year, the centre trains approximately 2500 new recruits over a rigorous 34-week course that focuses on physical fitness, mental toughness, and weapon handling, followed by an additional two weeks dedicated to counter-insurgency operations. Since India’s independence, over 60,000 soldiers have been trained at the centre, with more than 25,000 currently serving across various battalions of the Garhwal Rifles.
The regiment itself boasts an impressive array of honors, having earned 30 battle honours, including five post-Independence. It has also been recognized with numerous awards for gallantry, including one Ashok Chakra, four Mahavir Chakras, 13 Kirti Chakras, and 52 Vir Chakras, showcasing the bravery and heroism of its members.
General Pande’s visit underscores the strategic importance of the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre in the broader context of national defense and the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities.
