JAIPUR, Feb 8: Marking a monumental milestone in Indian military history, the 1 Mechanised Infantry (1 MADRAS) celebrated its Sestercentennial (250th anniversary) with profound pride and military fervor.
Known by the moniker “Fighting First,” the battalion’s historic anniversary served as a tribute to two and a half centuries of unmatched grit, valor, and selfless service to the nation.
The landmark event brought together high-ranking officials and veterans to honor a legacy that began in the 18th century and continues to evolve in the modern era of mechanized warfare.The celebrations were graced by Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the Sapta Shakti Command and Colonel of the MADRAS Regiment, alongside Lt Gen PS Shekhawat, Chief of Staff (COS) of the Sapta Shakti Command and Colonel of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
During the ceremony, the Army Commander paid a moving tribute to the battalion’s bravehearts, acknowledging the supreme sacrifices that have shaped the unit’s indomitable spirit. He commended the troops for their contemporary excellence and exhorted the current generation of soldiers to uphold the storied ethos and traditions of the Indian Army.
To immortalize this historic 250-year journey, a Special Day Cover was formally released during the event. The Sestercentennial not only honored the past but also reinforced the battalion’s “Pride and Purpose” as it looks toward future challenges.
The gathering underscored the seamless transition of 1 MADRAS from its traditional roots to its current status as a formidable mechanized force, proving that while technology changes, the core values of the “Fighting First” remain eternal.
