New Colonel of the Regiment of Garhwal Rifles

• 01 Jul 2025

Why in News? 

Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana, Commander-in-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command, has officially taken over as the 23rd Colonel of the Regiment of Garhwal Rifles in a ceremony held at the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand.  

• He succeeds Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani.

Key Points

• Garhwal Rifles: 
  • The Garhwal Rifles is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army, established in 1887 as the 39th (Garhwal) Regiment of the Bengal Army. 
    • It became part of the British Indian Army and was later incorporated into the Indian Army after India’s independence. 
  • The soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles mainly come from the seven Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand: 
    • Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, and Haridwar. 
    • The Garhwal Scouts are stationed at Joshimath and are nicknamed “The Snow Leopards.” 
  • It has a strong legacy of valor, courage, and service to the nation, reflecting the proud tradition of Garhwali warriors. 
    • The regiment earned distinction in both World Wars and in multiple post-independence conflicts. 
    • It played a significant role in the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971. 
  • The Garhwal Rifles is famous for its role in peacekeeping missions, such as Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. 
  • The regiment’s motto is “Yudhaya Krit Nishchaya” (Fight with Determination). 
    • The regiment’s insignia features a Maltese cross, similar to the defunct Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own). 
  • The Garhwal Rifles has won several prestigious awards, including three Victoria Crosses and one Ashoka Chakra.