The Sikh Light Infantry previously known as The Mazabhi and Ramdasia Sikh Regiment is an elite Regiment of the Indian Army. Its name was changed to the Sikh Light Infantry in 1944. The Sikh Light Infantry is the successor
unit to the Mazhabi Sikh
Pioneers 23rd, 32nd and 34th Sikh
Pioneers. The Sikh
Light Infantry inherited the battle honours, colours and traditions of the Mazhabi Sikh Pioneers on its merging with
a few Ramdasia companies in 1941.
The
Sikh Light Infantry is famous for recruiting Mazhabi Sikh Soldiers; who are famous for their
extraordinary courage and tenacity on the battlefield. In its life of nearly
one century under the British Raj,
the Sikh Light infantry and its predecessors the 23rd, 32nd and 34th Royal Sikh
Pioneers distinguished themselves with loyalty to the British Crown and her Empire in numerous conflicts in and
around the Indian Subcontinent including both the First World
War and
the Second
World War.
Since
India's Independence in 1947, the
regiment has gone from strength to strength and has continued to set
exceptional standards. Today, the Sikh Light Infantry has expanded beyond its
primary Infantry role and holds an elite regimental status. Since Independence the Sikh Light Infantry has also established a very
versatile reputation, with its soldiers expanding into Airborne, Marine commando Forces and Special Forces roles respectively. The 9th
battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry conducts special Amphibious
assaults similar in nature to the Royal Marines of the United Kingdom. The 11th battalion of the Sikh
Light Infantry has earned the nickname "Steel Fist". The exploits of the regiment know no
bounds and its soldiers are able to engage all varieties of enemy combatants in
virtually all environments. The versatility of the Sikh Light Infantry has seen
the regiment conduct operations from the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield
in the world, to Counter-terrorism. The Sikh Light infantry conducts operations as part of the United Nations
Emergency Force.
The
Regimental motto is "Deg Tegh Fateh", meaning prosperity in
peace and victory in war. The motto has great significance with the tenth and
most martial Sikh guru; Guru Gobind Singh as the Mazhabis are very closely
associated with him.
The
Sikh Light Infantry insignia is a Chakram or Quoit, with a mounted Kirpan. The insignia was designed to
honour the Mazhabi Sikh community's Akali Nihang ancestry. The former Chief Of Army
Staff General
Bikram Singh, belongs to the Regiment. He is also
the Colonel Of The Regiment The Sikh Light Infantry.
This
cover with the special cancellation and the brochure were issued on 14.12.1981
during the Presentation of Colours to the Regiment by the President. The First
Reunion was also held during that time at Fatehgarh.
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