Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Mark A Glorious Milestone For  The Ladakh Scouts Regiment 

GNS ONLINE KASHMIR

LEH LADAKH JUNE 01 :—Ladakh is a land of warriors that has produced legends like Col Chhewang Rinchen MVC**, SM. He was awarded the MVC, the second highest gallantry award of the country, at a young age of 17 when he had not even donned his uniform.
LADAKH SCOUTS has always been an integral part of Ladakh. When Pakistan attempted to annex Gilgit in 1948 and threatened Ladakh, the locals from Nubra, Shyok and Indus valley came forward to protect their motherland. They formed the gallant force ‘NUBRA GUARDS’ that faced insurmountable odds and held back the adversary at bay for 53 days.
The NUBRA GUARDS was reorganised into the 7th J&K MILITIA. Additionally on 02 May 1959, the 14th J&K MILITIA was raised in Srinagar. Both Militia Battalions bravely faced the Chinese in 1962. Post war, both Battalions were amalgamated on 01 Jun 1963 and THE LADAKH SCOUTS was born. The LADAKH SCOUTS has proved its mettle time and again in numerous conflicts and wars and has carved a niche for itself in the annals of History of being the most decorated Regt of the Indian Army with the youngest legacy.
LADAKH SCOUTS plays a pivotal role in the welfare and development of the region. The Ladakhi community has a deep emotional connect with LADAKH SCOUTS. During the tragic demise of one of the Regiments Bravehearts, the civil community came together in thousands to pay respects to the deceased and supported the family. This gesture speaks volumes of the relation of the people with LADAKH SCOUTS. The civil administration and populace also gave their unwavering support and assistance towards the grand and successful conduct of the Run up events of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Regiment throughout the year.
The Regiment has also significantly assisted the administration and civil populace in enhancing the capabilities of the local populace through numerous initiatives focused on skill development, education, healthcare services and infrastructure development in remotest parts through Sadbhavana Projects. The Regiment has always made concerted efforts to safeguard and uplift the region and the population, be it during times of natural calamities through efficient disaster management or connecting the remotest parts of the region to the mainstream society.
Besides enhancing connectivity to the hinterland, the Regiment has also been instrumental in boosting the economy of the Region. The veterans of the Regiment continue to work for the upliftment of the community, taking up employment in various Govt & private enterprises. Cultural exchanges and interactions are organised for the children of the region as also Veer Naris in different parts of the country.
LADAKH SCOUTS has played a major role in all conflicts & wars fought after independence. The warriors of LADAKH SCOUTS have been awarded with One Ashok Chakra, 10 Maha Vir Chakras, Two Kirti Chakras, 26 Veer Chakras, Six Shaurya Chakras and 79 Sena Medals. These awards stand testimony to the bravery and valour of the gallant soldiers of Ladakh.
THE LADAKH SCOUTS Regiment celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on 01 Jun 2023. The Regiment commemorated this momentous occasion with a series of grand events and paid heartfelt tributes to its heroes. The Diamond Jubilee of LADAKH SCOUTS was celebrated over a period of two days ie 31 May & 01 Jun 23, highlighting the Regiment’s rich heritage, glorious traditions and remarkable achievements.
The celebrations included a Bike Rally that started from The National War Memorial at New Delhi and culminated at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre on 01 Jun 2023. As part of the celebrations a Mountain Expedition was also flagged off to summit Mount Chong Kumdang Ri exceeding an altitude of 7000 meters . To pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the Regiment ,Eternal Flames from War Memorials located at Kargil, Siachen and Rezang La were brought together at Leh on 01 Jun 2023 and were merged at the War Memorial located at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre.
The Regiment paid homage to its martyrs at the Regiment’s sacred War Memorial followed by Tree Plantation at SPAWO CHAS, aptly translated versions of ‘Garden for the Braves’ in Ladakhi language where trees were planted by the Veer Naari, families of the fallen heroes and serving and retired fraternity of the Regiment.

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, AVSM, General Officer Commanding in Chief, Northern Command, who is also the Colonel of the Regiment of LADAKH SCOUTS attended the Diamond Jubilee. Celebrations. This momentous occasion was also graced by the presence of a large number of veterans including two Ex Colonels of the Regiment, one of whom retired as the Adjutant General and the other as Deputy Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, at the pinnacle of their illustrious career.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the LADAKH SCOUTS holds immense significance, not only as a moment of pride for the Regiment but also as an occasion for the entire community to come together for honouring the dedication and services of these ‘Sons of Soil’, paying tribute to the Regiment’s legacy and create memories that would be cherished for generations to come.