In his first official engagement outside New Delhi after becoming President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, presented The President’s Colours to Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre and all five battalions of the Regiment at Leh (Ladakh) on Monday.

A ceremonial parade was conducted as per the highest military traditions of the Indian Army which was attended by a spectrum of civil and military dignitaries including the Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of Jammu & Kashmir.

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The Chief of The Army Staff,General Bipin Rawat, GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt.General D.Anbu, GOC 14 Corps besides a large number of serving and retired personnel witnessed the ceremony.

Kovind’s visit to Leh comes close to the incursion bid of the Chinese troops near the Pangong Lake that was foiled by the Indian Army. This visit of Kovind comes seven years after that of the then President Pratibha Patil in September 2010 when Leh suffered loss of 175 lives and extensive damage to property due to a massive cloudburst.

Raised as Nubra Guards in 1948, amalgamated into the Indian Army as regular troops in 1963 and restructured as an Infantry Regiment in the year 2000 post Operation VIJAY, the Ladakh Scouts have carved a niche for themselves in the annals of history of the Indian Army. The President complimented the Ladakh Scouts personnel for their outstanding performance in all spheres and their exceptional valour and sacrifice while upholding the sovereignty of the Nation in Ladakh region especially in the Siachen Glacier.

He appreciated the exceptional gallantry and indomitable courage displayed by the brave NUNNUS during all major wars and operations since Independence which have earned them 605 gallantry and distinguished service awards besides,Battle Honours of Batalik and Turtuk, Theatre Honour Kargil and the coveted Chief of the Army Staff Banner for Valour & Sacrifice, making them one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army.

The President released a documentary movie on Colonel Sonam Wangchuk,MVC, and also interacted with the Veterans and Veer Naris, besides the gallantry awardees and complimented them.  He exhorted all personnel to continue to striving hard in pursuit of excellence in all spheres and take a solemn vow to defend the sovereignty of the Nation against all odds in the true spirit signified by the Colours presented to the Regiment.

Before returning to New Delhi, Kovind also visited the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) where he was received by the Buddhist monks and scholars. The MIMC is an example of one man’s vision turning into reality. Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena established the MIMC in 1986 to offer both spiritual instructions as well as desperately needed humanitarian services to impoverished people in the remote land of Ladakh.. At MIMC, the practice and teaching of meditation is one of the main programs. Meditation is introduced to all students and staff of Mahabodhi Devachan. Each year, during the summer months, the MIMC is engaged in conducting several mediation activities targeting visitors. Meditation classes are conducted both at the main campus and at other places in Ladakh.

On his arrival, Kovind was received at the Leh airport  by Vohra, Mehbooba and top military and civil officers. He drove straight to the Regimental Centre of the Ladakh Scouts where the main ceremony of presentation of colours was held.

During the visit of the President, the demand for Union Territory Status for Ladakh was revived by the chief executive councilor of the Ladakh autonomous hill development council, Sonam Dawa. Although Dawa did not get the opportunity to formally meet the President, but he reiterated the demand while talking to media persons.