225th Anniversary of the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment

Commemorative Postage Stamp on 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)

The 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) stands as one of the most decorated and battle-hardened units of the Indian Army. Its glorious journey began on 6 September 1797, when it was raised for the Bombay Presidency as part of a treaty with the Raja of Travancore, under the name 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment Native Infantry of the Travancore Regiment.

Early Campaigns and Recognition

The Battalion first earned distinction during the Abyssinian Campaign (1867–68), playing a gallant role in the storming of Magdala. For this act of valour, it was designated a Light Infantry Regiment.

• In the First World War, it fought against Turkish forces in Mesopotamia, covering itself with glory in the battles of Shaiba, Kut-El-Amara, and Ctesiphon.
• In the Second World War, the Battalion achieved immortal fame at the bloody assault on the Italian fortress of Keren in East Africa. Later, in Italy, Nk. Yeshwant Ghadge was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross at Citta-de-Castello for his extraordinary bravery.

Transformation into Airborne and Parachute Regiment

In 1946, the Battalion was selected for parachute duties under the 2nd Indian Airborne Division, becoming the 3rd Parachute Battalion, Maharatta Light Infantry. Soon after Independence, in 1947, it was deployed to Jammu & Kashmir, where it fought historic battles at Naushera and Jhangar against Pakistani forces.

On 15 April 1952, the Battalion officially became part of the Parachute Regiment and was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment.

Role in Wars and Historic Operations

• In 1961, the Battalion played a role in the liberation of Goa.
• During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, it saw action in the Rann of Kutch and Lahore sectors.
• In the 1971 Indo-Pak War, it created history by executing the first airborne assault of the Indian Army, paradropping into the Eastern Sector. It was also the first Indian Army unit to enter Dacca, marking a defining moment in the Liberation of Bangladesh.

Counter-Insurgency, UN Missions, and Special Forces

From 1990–1991, the Battalion operated in the North East under Op Hifazat. On 1 April 1999, it was converted into a Special Forces unit. Soon after, it conducted a daring mission under the UN flag in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), rescuing Indian Army hostages from rebel groups without any casualties a unique achievement in UN peacekeeping history.

In 2006, while serving in Jammu & Kashmir, Captain R. Harshan made the supreme sacrifice during a critical operation and was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra.

The Battalion also oversaw the historic transition when Sudan was divided into Sudan and South Sudan, witnessing the birth of the world’s newest nation. It has further distinguished itself in counter-terrorism operations, including its readiness role in Bengaluru after the 26/11 attacks.

Awards and Honours

The Battalion has a proud record of 25 Battle Honours and 5 Theatre Honours, making it one of the most decorated battalions in the Indian Army. Its tally of 427 awards includes:

• 1 Victoria Cross
• 4 Maha Vir Chakras
• 1 Ashoka Chakra
• 2 Kirti Chakras
• 17 Vir Chakras
• 7 Shaurya Chakras
• 48 Sena Medals
• 1 Yudh Seva Medal

In addition, it has been awarded three Chief of Army Staff Unit Citations, Governor of J&K Unit Appreciation, two Army Commander’s Citations, and a UN Force Commander Unit Citation.

The Commemorative Stamp

To honour this extraordinary legacy, the Department of Posts has issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), marking its 50th Poongli Day, 225th Raising Day, and 75th Jhangar Day.

This stamp not only celebrates the Battalion’s unmatched valour, sacrifices, and historic milestones, but also serves as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Indian Special Forces. For philatelists, it is a proud addition that encapsulates centuries of courage and honour.