On 5th Dec 2021, Border Security Force, India’s First Line of Defence, organized a ceremonial parade at Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) on the occasion of its 57th Raising Day. Border Security Force, the world’s largest border guarding force is deployed along 6386.36 km of International Border with Pakistan and Bangladesh. On this auspicious occasion the BSF reiterated its commitment to the nation and its motto “जीवन पर्यन्त कर्त्तव्य.
2. For the first time in the history of 56 years, this ceremonial Raising Day Parade has been organized at Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) in rich traditional atmosphere of fervor and gaiety, complying with COVID-19 instructions and protocol. Hon’ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah took salute of the impressive parade as the Chief Guest. Hon’ble Union Home Minister was accompanied by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Jal Shakti. Director General Border Guard Bangladesh Md Shafeenul Islam, BGBM (BAR), ndc psc was also among the special invitees present on the occasion.
3. During the parade, well turned out contingents of different Frontiers of Border Security Force marched past the inspection dais, showcasing the Seema Praharis’ valour, saga and commitment to the nation. The parade comprised a march past of 12 foot contingents including Mahila Prahari contingent, decorated officers & men, the famed Camel Contingent and Camel Band, mounted column, dog Squad, communication contingent displaying the technological advances by the force, special appearance by BSF Bagpipers.
4. The Chief Guest first arrived at the ‘Shaheed Poonam Singh Stadium, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) and laid a wreath at the memorial of BSF bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. On this occasion, Director General, Border Security Force, Pankaj Kumar Singh, IPS, while summarizing the historical aspects of the force in his address, described the journey of BSF which after being raised with just 25 battalions has now evolved into the largest border guarding force with 193 battalions and with a strength of more than 2.65 lakh brave men and women deployed in every kind of extreme terrain, temperatures and other challenging scenarios. He explained how this force has established itself as a multi-functional force efficiently discharging its various responsibilities. DG BSF also emphasised the achievements of various formations and institutions of BSF in the areas of operations, sports, adventure, welfare, bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries and various other fields.
5. DG BSF made special mention about the Confidence Building Measures between Border Guard Bangladesh, Maitri Cycle Rally that traversed the entire Indo-Bangladesh border to commemorate the birth centenary of ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rehman and the celebration being planned on 16th Dec 2021 at New Delhi to celebrate 50 years of Liberation of Bangladesh after the 1971 War. During his address, DG BSF assured that every Seema Prahari will strive to protect the sovereignty of the nation’s borders even to the peril of their lives while also referring to BSF’s achievements, new initiatives and preparations to deal with future challenges.
6. Hon’ble Chief Guest bestowed the Force personnel with Police Medals for Gallantry to NoK of bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and serving personnel, and President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to serving and retired personnel for their services. The prestigious ‘General Choudhary Trophy’ was awarded to ‘Thundering Thirty Three’ 33 Bn BSF for their exceptional performance. Hon’ble Chief Guest also released the annual ‘Borderman’ magazine of the Force.
7. During his address on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Guest lauded the performance of the parade, the decision to organize the event in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and the significance of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav being commemorated this year. Paying rich tributes to the bravehearts of BSF who laid down their lives in the line of duty, he reminisced the role of BSF in various historic events like the 1971 War when BSF personnel fought bravely against a numerically superior force despite being in the nascent stage of its raising.
8. Hon’ble Chief Guest lauded the role of BSF as India’s First Line of Defence while deployed in every kind of terrain and extreme weather, the various welfare measures that have been implemented in the forces by Government of India, contribution and sacrifices of personnel during the COVID-19 Pandemic and made special mention of the Plantation Drive made by BSF. He said that the nation is grateful and will always stand by the security forces for the dedicated service to the motherland. He applauded the role of BSF in protecting the sovereignty of the nation and said that the Government of India will leave no stone unturned to provide the best technological equipment, and infrastructure facilities to ensure that the operational challenges arising due to the present day geo-political scenario are fully met. Stating that all welfare requirements of troops will be accorded top priority, he elucidated the various programmes which have been initiated by the Government of India to ensure that all force personnel and their families are cared for. He also emphasised on the importance of border area development and the proactive role being played by BSF for the addressing the same. In the end, Hon’ble Chief Guest paid homage to all the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.
9. A thrilling dog show by NTCD BSF trained dogs, battle drills show by camel mounted praharis, Chetak Drill by CSMT BSF team that involved dismantling, obstacle crossing and assembly of motor vehicle, blindfolded single-handed quick-time handling of all weapons by Seema Praharis (both men and women), adrenaline packed daredevil motorcycle show by Seema Bhawani women team and Jaanbaaz mens team and powered paragliders display by the BSF Institute of Adventure and Advance Training (BIAAT), Dehradun drew loud cheer and applause from the audience. Tableaux of Water Wing depicting floating BOP, BIAAT depicting adventure training activities being conducted and Air Wing depicting the Mi-17 V-5 fleet were also on display during the parade.
The parade was also witnessed by the senior officers from various police forces, veterans and dignitaries.
10. On 4th December 2021, Hon’ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah visited borders areas of Tanot Mata Mandir and BOP Rohitas in Jaisalmer sector where he was given an operational briefing regarding the security scenario. Hon’ble Minister later addressed the gallant Seema Praharies at BOP Rohitas in a Sainik Sammelan, distributed Ayushman Bharat cards to BSF officers and troops, partook dinner with troops during Barakhana and halted for the night at the BOP.
11. Deployed to safeguard the Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh borders, Border Security Force is not only proficient in the security of borders, but has also excelled in the execution of internal security duties and other duties assigned by the government. Giving due recognition to the indomitable courage, valour and sacrifice of the members of this force, the Government of India has awarded this force with various prestigious honors including thousands of gallantry medals. Today, the force has 193 battalions (including 04 NDRF battalions) with courageous, skilled and capable human resource, state-of-the-art weaponry, latest border management technology and supporting elements like Water Wing, Air Wing & Artillery Wing to meet various operational requirements of the force in varied and difficult terrains. With its available set of resources and force multipliers, the Border Security Force is committed to safeguard the country’s borders at all times. The brave Seema Praharis stand resolute in their dedication to serve and protect the mother nation.
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