Khurdha: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrated its 63rd Raising Day with great grandeur on Tuesday. Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home, graced the occasion as the chief guest at the 41 Battalion of the ITBP campus in Khurdha.
Rahul Rasgotra, Director General, ITBP, welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries and highlighted the Force’s significant achievements over the past year. The Union Minister congratulated ITBP personnel on completing 62 years of dedicated service and lauded their unmatched zeal, commitment and vigilance in safeguarding the nation’s borders under challenging conditions in the Himalayan frontiers. He also acknowledged the government’s awareness of the crucial services rendered by Himveers in adverse conditions.
The parade featured contingents from all ITBP frontiers, including a women’s contingent, skiing and mountaineering teams, paratroopers, the dog squad and the equestrian team. Displays of traditional martial arts (Silambam, Mallakhamb, and Kalaripayattu), pipe band performances, artificial wall climbing, and house-clearing drills captivated the audience.
Awards and Honors:
On this occasion, various ITBP battalions and personnel were recognized for their excellence:
- Best Green Battalion Trophy: 48th Battalion
- Best Border Battalion Trophy: 15th Battalion
- Best Swachh Battalion Trophy: 56th Battalion
- Best Sportsperson Trophy 2024: PH Sonia Devi, 5th Battalion
- Rajbhasha Shield (2023-24): 13th Battalion for outstanding implementation of Hindi.
Four ITBP officers were also awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
The chief guest virtually inaugurated several infrastructure projects developed in forward areas, including roads, foot suspension bridges, barracks, messes, hospitals, transit camps, residential quarters and administrative buildings. Additionally, the CISF Baffle Firing Range was e-inaugurated.
The event also marked the release of the Hindi book “Bharat-Tibet Seema Police Ka Itihas” (History of ITBP) and the Force’s e-souvenir. A new fitness programme named ‘Ojas’, initiated to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was also launched.
In his vote of thanks, Abdul Ghani Mir, Additional Director General (Headquarters), ITBP, expressed gratitude to the chief guest and reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering dedication to the nation’s security and service.
