17th Post War Re-Union Of Maratha Light Infantry Regiment Held In Belgaum
Belgaum (Karnataka), 17th October 2022: The MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment, one of the oldest Regiment of the Indian Army organised its’ XVIIth Post War Re-union at The MARATHA Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Belgaum from 15th to 17th October 2022 after a span of four years with the last edition held in February 2019.
The event witnessed participation not only from affiliated units of the Indian Army but also from affiliated units of the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard thus complementing the theme of the Reunion ‘SYNERGY’. It was the first major event post COVID-19 lockdown and witnessed enthusiastic participation from all ranks of The MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment, affiliated Arms and Services, Veterans and Veer Naris.
General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) attended the function on 16 October 2022. Other prominent senior officers included former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh & former Chief of the Army Staff, Gen JJ Singh (Retired) and Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, Lt Gen Ajai Singh, Army Commander Andaman & Nicobar Command, Maj Gen K Narayanan Joint Secretary (Army and TA) Department of Military Affairs and Colonel of the Regiment, 12 serving & retired Lt Gens, 18 serving & retired Maj Gens and the royal families of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj genealogy to include HH Maharaja Shrimant Shahu Chhatrapati, Maharaja of Kolhapur and Shrimant Yuvraj Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati. The event was also graced by 35 Veer Naris / Next of Kins along with Serving and Veteran Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks of The MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment.
The first major event, as a curtain raiser, was a spectacular Commemoration Parade showcasing the theme Synergy and comprised of seven contingents from The MARATHA LIRC, Bombay Engineer Group, 34 Medium Regiment, 36 Medium Regiment, INS Mumbai, 20 Squadron Indian Air Force being represented by Airmen Training School, Sambra and Indian Coast Guard, Air Station (Daman) respectively who marched smartly to the Martial tunes played by the renowned “Silver Band” of The MARATHA LIRC. The parade was commanded by Major Sashwat Dabas a young officer from the 2nd Battalion, The MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY and was reviewed by Lt Gen Ajai Singh, AVSM, Commander in chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command. Post the commemoration parade, a solemn Wreath laying ceremony at the Sharqat War Memorial was organised where-in senior serving and Veteran Officers, JCOs & Other Ranks paid homage to the brave hearts of the Regiment for their supreme sacrifice. The event also witnessed felicitation of Veer Naris & Next of Kins of our Regiment including affiliated units by the Senior Officers of the Regiment.
The Maratha Peagent which was organised on the 16th and 17th October showcased the gallant acts of Maratha Soldiers in post-independence wars drawing parallels with various acts of valour and bravery during Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj era. The Maratha fest displayed the unique diversity of the Maratha culture through scintillating performances from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Coastal Areas along the east & west coast of India. The 17th Post War Reunion brought in nostalgic memories and the attendees remembered the comrades who left for heavenly abode during the last four years. The celebrations culminated after having strengthened the regimental bonds and with a firm resolve to strive for achieving greater glory for the Regiment in all spheres in the coming years.
