On the momentous occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of the 7th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), the battalion paid a solemn tribute to its fallen heroes at the National War Memorial, New Delhi. The ceremony was led by Colonel Punit Aswal, Commanding Officer, 7 PARA (SF), who laid floral tributes at the Tyag Chakra, honouring the supreme sacrifice of the battalion’s bravehearts.
Colonel Aswal, in his message, highlighted the courage, resilience, and devotion of the battalion’s soldiers who, over the past six decades, have epitomized the spirit of the maroon beret. He reaffirmed the battalion’s pledge to uphold its proud traditions and continue serving the nation with the ethos of being “Never Out of the Fight.”
The tribute not only commemorated the indomitable spirit of martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty but also served as an inspiration for future generations of paratroopers to carry forward the rich legacy of the unit.
The 7th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), popularly known as 7 PARA (SF), is one of the most elite units of the Indian Army. Raised in 1963, the battalion was originally designated as a parachute infantry battalion before its eventual transition into the Special Forces. Over the decades, the unit has been at the forefront of India’s most daring military operations.
Notable Contributions:
- 1971 Indo-Pak War – 7 PARA played a decisive role in the Eastern theatre, undertaking specialized missions that contributed significantly to India’s victory and the creation of Bangladesh.
- Counter-Insurgency Operations – The unit has been actively deployed in some of the most volatile regions of India, displaying exceptional professionalism in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East.
- Special Operations – Known for their unconventional warfare capabilities, the men of 7 PARA (SF) are trained for deep penetration missions, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and high-risk surgical strikes.
Ethos and Legacy:
The battalion’s motto, “Never Out of the Fight,” embodies the relentless spirit of its soldiers who operate in the toughest conditions with undying determination. Over the past sixty years, 7 PARA (SF) has earned an illustrious reputation not just within the Indian Army but across the global fraternity of Special Forces.
With the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, 7 PARA (SF) stands as a proud symbol of valour, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to the nation, continuing its legacy of excellence as one of the sharpest swords in India’s arsenal.
