RAISING

Origin and Outline History

In the Indian context, the need to mechanise our Infantry was first felt after the 1965 war,The first tentative steps were taken in 1969, when 1st MADRAS added another 1st to its cap becoming the first infantry unit to be equipped with APC TOPAZ. 1st JAT followed soon, and by the year 1970, ten of our finest infantry units had been equipped with an array of APCs or Chariots, namely the BTR, SKOT and TOPAZ. The 1971 war saw some of these battalions take part in action on both fronts as part of Combat Groupings with Armoured Units for the first time. To fully realise the combat potential of this dynamic arm, the need was felt to provide these battalions with integrated training and common battle philosophy. The idea of grouping the existing Battalions together under one banner with a common identity was conceived by Gen KV Krishna Rao, PVSM in 1973 and crystallised by Gen K Sundarji, PVSM, AVSM, ADC.It was they who pursued the formal raising of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. The Regiment was raised on 02 Apr 1979 and the affairs of the Regiment were transferred from Directorate General of Infantry to Directorate General Mechanised Forces. At the time of raising, the Regt comprised of fourteen bns, which were drawn from various Inf Regts. 15 to 26 Mech Inf Bns have since been raised on all India mixed cl composn. 20 RAJPUT (now 24 Mech Inf) joined the Regt in Apr 92. As on date, the Regt comprises of twenty six bns designated from 1 to 26 Of these, five are Recce and Sp Bns, three being Tr and two Wh.

Raising of the Regimental Centre

The Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre (MIRC), the home of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, was raised on 02 Apr 1979 at Ahmednagar.

Govt approval for raising Mechanised Infantry Regiment (MIR) & Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre (MIRC) was accorded in Mar 1979. A Total of 2179 acres land was acquired, including 689 acres of stud farm land at Ahmednagar. MIRC was raised by late Brig M K (Mike) Menon, AVSM. Capt S Chakraborty (Chako) of 6 Mech Inf (1GARHWAL), the first Centre Adjt, arrived at ‘Nagar, by the inaugural Jhelum Express alongwith Sub Darshan Singh of 7 PUNJAB. Meticulous planning, keen eye for detail and foresight along with zealous execution has resulted in the creation of one of the finest Regimental Centres of the Indian Army.

The Regimental Centre is providing basic training to the recruits of the Mechanised Infantry. The Centre has a well laid out and modern campus with high quality technical facilities for training. It is the only Regimental Centre of the Indian Army entrusted with imparting state-of-art technical training to young soldiers of both Mechanised Infantry and the Brigade of Guards, and all arms equipped with ICVs. It also conducts technical courses for officers, JCOs and NCOs of all Arms.

Government approval for raising Mechanised Infantry Regiment (MIR) & Mechanised Infantry Regiment Centre (MIRC) was accorded in Mar 1979. A Total of 2179 acres land was acquired, including 689 acres of stud farm land at Ahmednagar.

MIRC was raised by Late Brig M K (Mike) Menon, AVSM, the first Centre Commandant. Capt S Chakraborty (Chako) of 6 MECH INF (1 GARHWAL), the first Centre Adjt, arrived at ‘Ahmednagar, by the inaugural Jhelum Express alongwith Sub Darshan Singh of (7 PUNJAB).Meticulous planning, keen eye for detail and foresight along with zealous execution resulted in the creation of one of the finest Regimental Centres of the Indian Army.

The Regimental Centre is providing basic training to the recruits of the Mechanised Infantry. The Centre has a well laid out and modern campus with High Quality Technical Training Facilities.

It is the only Infantry Regimental Centre of the Indian Army entrusted with imparting state-of-art technical training to young soldiers of both Mechanised Infantry and the Brigade of the Guards, and all arms and supporting arms equipped with ICVs. It also conducts technical courses for officers, JCOs and NCOs of all Arms.

REGIMENTAL SYMBOL

Regimental Crest

The Colonel of the regiment, Gen K Sundarji, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, selected a white metal BMP-I with a copper bayonet as our regimental crest at the time of raising.

The BMP-I depicts the Mechanisation aspect being the ICV in use at the time of raising.

The Bayonet depicts the Infantry aspect.

Spirit of MECH INF

Designed by Capt A Katkar, it is the informal symbol of the Regt. The composition depicts the spirited response that will be displayed against an adversary on the battle field. The neoteric and young Regiment of our army has been symbolised in this youthful and dynamic figure of a futuristic design. The design brings out the spirit, concept, role and characteristics of the Regt. Poise of the youthful figure depict vitality, dynamism and portray aggressive spirit. Position of the legs, ripple of the waves and wings signify mobility over land, sea and air and ring around the spirit; self reliance and armour protection.

Regimental Flag

The Regimental Flag was designed by Mrs Priya Mazumdar, daughter of General K Sundarji, PVSM, AVSM, ADC.

The Red colour signifies the Blood of the infantry men.

The Black colour signifies the Aggressive spirit of Armour.

The Yellow background signifies Purity and the Path of glory.

Regimental Motto

Combined together, “Valour and Faith” (VEERTA AUR VISHWAS) denotes the hallmark of a complete warrior and winner. The motto suggests a blend of staunch, unrelenting fortitude, gallant nobility, reverence to duty, courage of conviction and spirit of sacrifice. In brief, “Valour and Faith” signifies:-

Valour – “Passion towards duty regardless of perils”

Faith – “Trust in self, outfit, weapons and leadership”

Battle Cry : Bharat Mata ki Jai.