THE PRESIDENT’S BODY GUARD (PBG)

Commemorative Postage Stamp

The President’s Body Guard (PBG), the senior-most Regiment of the Indian Army, stands as a symbol of honour, tradition, and elite military excellence. Raised in Benaras in 1773, the Regiment began with 50 horses and sowars, with an additional 50 contributed by Raja Chait Singh of Benaras, forming the Governor’s Body Guard. Over the centuries, the unit evolved in name and stature, reflecting India’s own historical transitions. It has been known as:

• Governor’s Body Guard – 1773
• Governor General’s Body Guard (GGBG) – 1784
• Viceroy’s Body Guard (VRBG) – 1857
• 44 Divisional Reconnaissance Squadron (GGBG) – 1944
• Governor General’s Body Guard (GGBG) – 1946
• Governor General’s Body Guard (India) – 1947
• The President’s Body Guard (PBG) – from 1950

Role, Distinction & Legacy

As the senior-most Regiment, The PBG holds the “Right of Line” over all Army units and serves as the Household Cavalry and Personal Troops of the President of India. The Regiment performs a dual role:

• War Role – Under the Parachute Formation (with Presidential approval)
• Peace Role – Ceremonial duties at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The PBG is the oldest horsed cavalry regiment and has remained armoured since 1942 and airborne since 1944, making it the only true Airborne Cavalry Regiment in the world. Every soldier of the PBG is trained as a cavalry horse rider, paratrooper, and armoured warrior, making their skillset unparalleled globally.

Battle Honours & Operational Service

The PBG has a distinguished combat history. In the pre-independence era, the Regiment earned Battle Honours in Java, Ava, Maharajpore, Moodkee, Ferozeshah, Aliwal, and Sabraon.

Post-independence, the Regiment has served with distinction:

• 1962 – Operational deployment at Chushul
• 1965 – Operations at Gadra Road
• 1971 – Protection of Rashtrapati Bhavan
• 1993 onwards – Personnel serving at Siachen Glacier
• UN Peacekeeping – Somalia, Angola, Sierra Leone & Sudan
• Operation Vijay (1999), Operation Parakram (2000) and Operation Sindoor (2025) – Operational deployments

Standards, Ceremonial Traditions & Milestones

The PBG is the only regiment bestowed with two Standards:

1. President’s Standard of Body Guard
2. Regimental Standard of The PBG

Both were first presented in 1958 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, and renewed in 1963 by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.

On the occasion of the 250th Raising Day on 30 September 2023, both Standards were renewed again after 60 years by Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the Hon’ble President of India.

A unique tradition of Silver Trumpets and Trumpet Banners has been followed since 1957 when Dr. Rajendra Prasad awarded the first Presidential Silver Trumpet & Banner. Smt. Droupadi Murmu presented her Silver Trumpet & Banner on 27 October 2022. In honour of 75 years of PBG (1950–2025), a Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet & Banner will be presented on 30 September 2025.

Equestrian Excellence

As a horse-mounted regiment, the PBG has showcased remarkable achievements in equestrian sports:

• Gold medal in the Asian Games (Puissance event)
• National Show Jumping record – 195 cm
• Two Arjuna Awardees for Polo and Equestrian Sports
• 170 Medals won during the current Presidency at national-level equestrian events
• Declared Army Champions at the 2024 Army Equestrian Championship in Bengaluru

A Living Link to India’s Heritage

Since 1947, the PBG has served one Governor General and 15 Presidents of India, and has escorted visiting Heads of State, Kings, and Presidents to Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Regiment is deeply woven into the ceremonial and cultural fabric of the nation, upholding India’s ancient cavalry traditions with pride and dignity.

A Philatelic Tribute

The Department of Posts proudly issues this Commemorative Postage Stamp honouring The President’s Body guard, saluting 250 years of valour, tradition, and selfless service. The stamp pays tribute to generations of soldiers who have guarded the nation’s highest office with honour, discipline, and unwavering loyalty.