Bihar Regiment: Know Some Key Facts About The Infantry Regiment Colonel B Santosh Babu Belonged To

The Bihar regiment has been at the forefront in accomplishing some of the most herculean missions the Indian Army undertook in its military warfare against fighting adversaries in all the major wars post independence.

The Bihar Regiment Centre Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.

New Delhi: In one of the bloodiest encounters which unfolded between Indian and Chinese soldiers along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley of the Ladakh Sector in over half a century, a commanding officer of an infantry batallion among 20 Indian Army Personnel lost their lives while repulsing a brutal assault by the Chinese soldiers. Thirteen of the twenty brave hearts who attained martyrdom belonged to the Bihar regiment of the Indian Army. Colonel Santosh Babu (Commanding Officer 16 Bihar) and his men attained the ultimate sacrifice while quelling a non-army like aggression by the Chinese troops in an intense hand to hand combat on June 15 midnight. The Bihar regiment which traces back its origins to Colonial British era has a long, proud and distinguished history of sacrifice and valour while serving the Indian Army in its military highest traditions and honours post independence . The Bihar regiment has been at the forefront in accomplishing some of the most herculean mission the Indian Army undertook in its military warfare against fighting adversaries in all the major wars post independence. Notable among them was 1st battalion of the Bihar regiment engaging in a fierce fight with the Pakistani Army to capture the strategic Point 4268 and Jubar Ridge in Kuker Thang area in the Batalik sector on the night 06/7 July 1999 Bihar regiment battalions have actively taken part in all of India's post independence wars and won many gallantry awards exhibiting the bravado, courage and valiance of the 'Veer Biharis'. Bihar regiment units have also been part of India's UN Peacekeeping operations in Somalia (UNOSOM) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE HISTORY, FORMATION, REGIMENTAL COMPOSITION AND MOTTO OF THE BIHAR REGIMENT Brief History and Raising Of Regiment The formation of the regiment took place in the Colonial Era when the 34th sepoy battalion was raised in 1757 by Lord Clive of the British East India Company at Patna. The battalion was formed by men entirely from the Bhojpur (Arrah) district. Later battalions recruited from the entire Shahabad area (the present day districts of Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas & Kaimur in Bihar). The Bihar Regiment was formed in 1941 by regularizing the 11th (Territorial) Battalion, the 19th Hyderabad Regiment, and raising new battalions. The 2nd Battalion of the Bihar Regiment was raised in 1942. REGIMENTAL CENTRE The Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) is located at Danapur Cantonment, Patna. Danapur is one of the oldest and biggest cantonment of India. WAR CRY The War Cry of the Bihar Regiment when their troops go into the battlefield to face the enemy is Jai Bajrang Bali (Victory to Bajrang Bali) and Birsa Munda Ki Jai (Victory to Birsa Munda) REGIMENTAL MOTTO The regimental motto of the Bihar Regiment Is 'Karam Hi Dharam', which means 'Work Is Worship' GALLANTRY AND DISTINGUISHED AWARDS The Bihar Regiment has won six military cross before Independence and three Ashok Chakras, two Maha Vir Chakras and numerous other gallantry and distinguished service awards post independence. BATTLE AND THEATRE HONOURS The Bihar Regiment has won many battle and theatre honours on account the bravery and valour exhibited by its battalions in capturing key features while in active operations in the India-Pak 1948 War , 1965 and 1971 Indo Pak Wars and  1999 Kargil War. Battle Honour: Haka, Gangaw and Batalik Theatre honours: Burma (1945), Akhaura (1971), Kargil (1999) MOST NUMBER OF RASHTRIYA RIFLES (RR) BATTALIONS The regiment also distinguishes itself by having the highest number of Rashtriya Rifles battalions (4 battalions: 4RR, 24RR, 47RR, 63RR) among all regiments of the Indian Army. INS Vikramaditya, the Indian Navy's largest ship and its sole aircraft carrier is affiliated to the Bihar Regiment