BSF conducts ceremonial parade in Punjab
AMRITSAR: The Border Security Force (BSF), the world’s largest border guarding force, which is deployed along 6,386 km of International Border with Pakistan and Bangladesh, on Sunday organised a ceremonial parade, comprising the Mahila Prahari contingent at Guru Nanak Dev University in this Punjab city on the occasion of its 58th Raising Day.
For the first time in the history of 57 years, the ceremonial Raising Day Parade was organised in Amritsar, in rich traditional atmosphere of fervour and gaiety. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai took the salute of the impressive parade as the chief guest.
During the parade, well turned out contingents of different Frontiers of the BSF 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 and men, the famed Camel contingent and Camel Band, mounted column, dog squad, communication contingent displaying the technological advances by the force with the special appearance by the BSF Bagpipers (men and women).
The chief guest first arrived at the BSF Martyr’s Column at SHQ BSF Khasa, Amritsar, and laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Column of the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
On this occasion, Director General (BSF) Pankaj Kumar Singh, while summarising the historical aspects of the force in his address, described the journey of the BSF which ater being raised with just 25 batalions has now evolved into the largest border guarding force of the world with 193 batalions and 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.
The Director General also emphasised the achievements of various formations and institutions of the BSF in the areas of operations, sports, adventure, welfare, bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries and various other fields.