73rd Armoured Regiment (India)

73 Armoured Regiment
Active	1971 – present
Country	India
Allegiance	India
Branch	Indian Army
Type	Armoured Corps
Size	Regiment
Nickname(s)	The Desert Rats [1]
Motto(s)	'पवित्रता, दृढ़ता और वीरता' Pavitrata, Dridhta, Veerta
Colors	Purple and Black
Equipment	T-90
Commanders
Notable commanders	Maj Gen K.M. Dhody, AVSM
Insignia
Abbreviation	73 Armd Regt

73 Armoured Regiment is an armoured regiment of the Indian Army.

Formation

The 73 Armoured Regiment has the unique distinction of being raised during wartime, being formed on 3 December 1971, ^[2] the day the Indo-Pak war broke out. It was raised at Vijay Lines, Ahmednagar, with a unique class composition of three martial communities - Sikhs, Rajputs and Qaimkhani Muslims. ^[3] The first commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) KM Dhody.

History

The Regiment with its T-55 tanks took part in the Republic Day parade in 1992. ^[4]

The Regiment was presented the President's Standard on 27 November 2011 by the then President of India Mrs Prathiba Patil. 73 Armoured Regiment along with four other Armoured Regiments of the 1 Armoured Division were presented with the colours in Patiala. ^{[5] [6] [7]}

Equipment

The Regiment was equipped with the T-55 tanks at raising. It is now equipped with the T-90 tanks.

Operations

It has participated in Operation Trident, Operation Vijay, Operation Rakshak and Operation Parakram. ^[8] It has also performed exceedingly well in deserts, thereby earning the sobriquet 'The Desert Rats'. The regiment has won two Vir Chakras. ^[9]

Regimental Insignia

The Regiment’s crest comprises crossed lances with the Sheesh Kavach of the legendary Prithviraj Chauhan and a scroll at the base. The Sheesh displays his temporal powers while the Kavach exhibits his skill at using arms. ^[10] The motto of the Regiment is 'पवित्रता, दृढ़ता और वीरता' ('Pavitrata, Dridhta, Veerta'). The Regimental colours are Purple and Black.

References

1. "Nation proud of Indian Armed Forces – President in The Hindustan Times". 2011-11-27. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
2. "'Prez honours 5 armoured corps regiments' in 'The Tribune'". 2011-11-28. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
3. Shukla, Ajai (2013-06-14). "'Ajai Shukla: Muslims and the military' in 'Business Standard'". Business Standard India. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
4. "'JPRS Report, Near East & South Asia', page 53". 1992-04-01. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
5. "'Presidential Standards conferred on five armoured regiments' in The Hindu". The Hindu. 2011-11-28. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
6. "'Prez honours 5 armoured corps regiments' in 'The Tribune'". 2011-11-28. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
7. "'President's Standards Rare Recognition' in 'Sainik Samachar'". 2011-12-16. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
8. "Nation proud of Indian Armed Forces – President in The Hindustan Times". 2011-11-27. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
9. "Young cavaliers earn their spurs in The Tribune". 2011-11-27. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
10. "Young cavaliers earn their spurs in The Tribune". 2011-11-27. Retrieved 2020-11-01.