On 30 September 2025, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp on The President’s Bodyguard (PBG) — the oldest and most elite cavalry regiment of the Indian Army. The release was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the stamp and first day cover, celebrating 250 years of the Regiment’s service and 75 years since its designation as The President’s Bodyguard in 1950.
The first album was presented to the President by Major General Shipra Sharma, Additional Director General, Army Postal Service. The beautiful stamp, First Day Cover, and brochure were designed by Ms. Gulistan.
A Royal Legacy Since 1773
The story of the President’s Bodyguard began in 1773, when it was raised in Benares (now Varanasi) with 100 horses and sowars, partly contributed by Raja Chait Singh.
Through history, the unit evolved with India’s political transitions:
- Governor’s Body Guard (1773)
- Governor General’s Body Guard (1784)
- Viceroy’s Body Guard (1857)
- Governor General’s Body Guard (India) (1947)
- and finally, The President’s Bodyguard (1950)
For over two and a half centuries, the Regiment has stood as a symbol of discipline, gallantry, and royal tradition.
The President’s Bodyguard – Right of the Line
As the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army, the PBG holds the ‘Right of Line’, giving it precedence over all other corps and regiments. It performs a dual role:
- In war – serves under the Parachute Formation, with the President’s approval.
- In peace – carries out ceremonial duties at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Every trooper is a cavalry horse rider, paratrooper, and armoured warrior, making the PBG the only true airborne cavalry regiment in the world.
From Java to Siachen – A Glorious Battle History
The Regiment has participated in many historical campaigns, earning battle honours like Java, Ava, Maharajpore, Moodkee, Ferozeshah, Aliwal, and Sabraon.
Post-independence, the PBG played vital roles in:
- Chushul (1962)
- Gadra Road (1965)
- Rashtrapati Bhavan Protection (1971)
- Operation Vijay (1999)
- Operation Parakram (2000)
- Operation Sindoor (2025)
Since 1993, PBG soldiers have also served continuously in the Siachen Glacier, and contributed to UN peacekeeping missions in Somalia, Angola, Sierra Leone, and Sudan.
The Standards and Silver Trumpets
The PBG is the only regiment to hold two Standards:
- The President’s Standard of Bodyguard
- The Regimental Standard of PBG
The first was presented by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1958, and renewed by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan in 1963.
On 16 November 2023, marking 250 years of the regiment, President Droupadi Murmu renewed both Standards during the grand Sestercentennial Parade.
The Regiment also upholds a rare ceremonial tradition — the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner. Since 1957, every President of India has presented their own trumpet banner. In 2025, President Murmu will present the Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner, marking 75 years of PBG’s identity as The President’s Bodyguard.
The Horses of the President’s Bodyguard
The PBG is inseparable from its magnificent horses.
One name that always comes up is “Virat,” the legendary horse of the President’s Bodyguard, who carried Presidents during the Republic Day parades for over a decade before his honourable retirement in 2022. The regiment continues to train and maintain some of the finest ceremonial horses in India, representing both strength and grace on every national occasion.
PBG in Sports and Modern India
Beyond the parade ground, the President’s Bodyguard Regiment dominates in equestrian sports. Its riders have won national and international medals, including a Gold at the Asian Games (Puissance, 195 cm jump) and two Arjuna Awards in Polo and Equestrian events.
In the current Presidency, PBG athletes have won over 170 medals, even claiming the title of Army Equestrian Champions 2024 in Bengaluru.
Recruitment, Training, and Uniqueness
Entry into this elite regiment is not direct.
Only selected soldiers from the Armoured Corps — among the tallest, fittest, and most skilled — are handpicked for this regiment after rigorous training in horse riding, ceremonial drill, and airborne operations.
Each member symbolizes courage, loyalty, and precision, serving as the personal troops of the President of India.
Collector’s Note
This issue stands out not just for its design, but for what it symbolizes — continuity, courage, and ceremonial grace.
It connects philatelists to a living heritage of Indian military tradition, where every stamp honours the bond between the President, the horse, and the soldier.
The President’s Bodyguard stamp is a must-have for anyone collecting themes on Indian Army, ceremonial regiments, Rashtrapati Bhavan, or national heritage.
Closing Notes
From guarding the nation’s first Governor-General to serving India’s 15 Presidents, the President’s Bodyguard remains a shining emblem of duty and dignity.
As India Post immortalizes this 250-year journey, philatelists now hold a piece of military and national history in their albums.
💬 Have you ever witnessed the President’s Bodyguard parade at Rashtrapati Bhavan or Republic Day?
Share your memories in the comments below!
Feel happy and proud to see PBG stamp. very good information on history of PBG, keep sharing such information.