As India’s 73rd Republic Day parade concluded, President
Ram Nath Kovind was escorted back to the Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President’s Bodyguard
(PBG) and its horse, named Virat. After
the parade, the PBG announced the horse’s retirement.

The Hanoverian horse had served in the regiment since the year
2003 and has appeared 13 times in totality at Republic Day events. The horse is
also known as the President’s Bodyguard’s “charger”.

Virat was felicitated with the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation
on the occasion of Army Day on January 15. Virat is the first horse to receive
the award. The
horse has escorted current and former Presidents of the country during parades
and ceremonial events.

Two Army dogs named Darmi and Heena were also awarded on Army Day for their services.

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In conversation with Livehindustan last year, an army
officer had stated that Virat performed exceptionally well during the 2021
Republic Day parade and Beating the Retreat ceremony despite the charger’s old
age.

The President’s Bodyguard (PBG) is the highest regiment
of the Indian Army with an exceptionally strong cavalry. The regiment has been
in existence since centuries and has served elite British viceroys in the colonial past.

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During
Republic Day parades, horsemen of the regiment are seen adorning red coats, gold-coloured
sashes, and turbans to escort the president to the stage.

Virat was the
steed of President’s Bodyguard Commandant Colonel Anup Tiwary and has
been the most trusted parade horse in history. He was issued to the PBG on September
12, 2000.

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According
to The Hindu, a former PBG officer had shared his experience with Virat,
stating “During
my first Republic Day Parade, Virat guided the nervous me through the paces and
has never let the Commandant and the PBG down. From the beautiful arch of his
neck right down to his graceful trot, to the wisdom in his eyes, Virat is a horse
like no other.”

The retired Hanoverian black horse
was patted and bid farewell by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.