President Droupadi Murmu conferred Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. This honour marked 75 years of the PBG’s designation since its official formation as the President’s Bodyguard in 1950, symbolising its glorious service, discipline, and tradition as the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.
Key Highlights
- Occasion: Diamond Jubilee of PBG (75 years since 1950 designation)
- Award Presented: Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner
- Presented By: President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces
- Venue: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
- Date: 2025
- Significance: Recognition of 75 years of distinguished service to the nation and the President’s office.
Special Moment- Horse ‘Viraat’
- ‘Viraat’, the Commandant’s Charger, was part of the ceremony.
- Retired in 2022, Viraat was adopted by the PBG after retirement, symbolising the strong emotional bond between soldiers and their horses.
- Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had patted Viraat during the Republic Day Parade, 26 January 2022.
- Viraat remains a living emblem of the PBG’s cavalry heritage and loyalty.
About President’s Bodyguard (PBG)
Historical Background
- Raised: 1773
- Raised By: Warren Hastings, then Governor-General of India
- Original Name: Governor-General’s Bodyguard (later Viceroy’s Bodyguard)
- Place of Raising: Banaras (Varanasi)
- Initial Strength: 50 cavalry troopers; later increased to 100 horsemen.
- Renamed: President’s Bodyguard on January 27, 1950, after India became a Republic.
First Presentation of Silver Trumpet & Banner
- Presented by: Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India
- Date: May 14, 1957
Structure and Role of PBG
- The President’s Bodyguard (PBG) is the oldest and seniormost regiment of the Indian Army.
- It is an elite cavalry unit, tasked primarily with ceremonial duties for the President of India.
Composition:
- Hand-picked soldiers with exceptional height, discipline, and physical fitness.
- Selected through a rigorous process from various regiments of the Indian Army.
Primary Duties:
- Escorting the President during ceremonial parades and state functions.
- Mounted escort duties on horseback and motorcycle escorts during Republic Day and ceremonial visits.
- Operational Role: Can be deployed as a combat-ready unit in wartime if required.
Unique Traditions:
- The only regiment in the Indian Army permitted two standards:
- President’s Standard of Body Guard
- Regimental Standard of The PBG
- Distinctive Uniform: Red and blue ceremonial tunic with gold embroidery, plume helmets, and lances — representing India’s traditional cavalry heritage.
- Horses: The regiment maintains a fleet of impeccably trained war horses, symbolising continuity of the cavalry spirit.
Timeline of Evolution
| Year | Event |
| 1773 | PBG raised in Banaras by Warren Hastings as Governor-General’s Bodyguard. |
| 1858 | Became the Viceroy’s Bodyguard after the Crown took over from the East India Company. |
| 1947 | Served under India’s last Governor-General, Lord Mountbatten. |
| 1950 | Renamed President’s Bodyguard after India became a Republic. |
| 1957 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad presented the first Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner. |
| 2025 | President Droupadi Murmu presented the Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Banner marking 75 years of service. |
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | President’s Bodyguard (PBG) |
| Formation Year | 1773 |
| Founder | Warren Hastings |
| Headquarters | Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi |
| Motto | “Bharat Mata ki Jai” (Victory to Mother India) |
| Function | Ceremonial escort and protection of the President of India |
| Present Commander-in-Chief (Honorary) | President of India |
| Current President (2025) | Droupadi Murmu |
| First President of India | Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
| Award Presented | Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet & Trumpet Banner (2025) |
| First Silver Trumpet Presented | 1957 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
| PBG Headquarters Location | Within the Presidential Estate (Rashtrapati Bhavan) |
| Symbolic Horse | Viraat (retired in 2022, adopted by PBG) |
| Strength | Approx. 180 personnel (elite selection) |
| Service Coverage | Served 1 Governor-General and 15 Presidents since Independence |
| Uniform Colors | Red tunic, blue trousers, gold braiding — traditional cavalry dress |
| Oldest Regiment of | Indian Army |
| Selection Criteria | Minimum height, fitness, and service record from Armoured and Artillery regiments |
Significance of Recognition
- Celebrates 75 years of elite service since 1950 as India’s symbol of honour and dignity.
- Highlights the continuity of military tradition from the colonial era to modern India.
- Symbolises the bond between soldiers, horses, and ceremonial service to the nation.
- Reinforces the PBG’s legacy as India’s oldest and most prestigious regiment, blending heritage and modern professionalism.