73rd Armoured Regiment (India)

The 73 Armoured Regiment has the unique distinction of being raised during wartime, being formed on 3 December 1971,{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111128/main5.htm|title='Prez honours 5 armoured corps regiments' in 'The Tribune'|date=2011-11-28|access-date=2020-11-01}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/ajai-shukla-muslims-and-the-military-106110701092_1.html|title='Ajai Shukla: Muslims and the military' in 'Business Standard'|newspaper=Business Standard India |date=2013-06-14| access-date=2020-11-01|last1=Shukla |first1=Ajai }} The first commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) KM Dhody.

The Regiment with its T-55 tanks took part in the Republic Day parade in 1992.{{cite web|url= https://archive.org/details/DTIC_ADA334265/|title='JPRS Report, Near East & South Asia', page 53|date=1992-04-01|access-date=2020-11-02}}

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.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/presidential-standards-conferred-on-five-armoured-regiments/article2666026.ece|title='Presidential Standards conferred on five armoured regiments' in The Hindu|newspaper=The Hindu |date=2011-11-28|access-date=2020-11-01}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111128/main5.htm|title='Prez honours 5 armoured corps regiments' in 'The Tribune'|date=2011-11-28|access-date=2020-11-01}}{{cite web|url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2011/dec16-11/h7.htm|title='President's Standards Rare Recognition' in 'Sainik Samachar'|date=2011-12-16|access-date=2020-11-01}}

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

It has participated in Operation Trident, Operation Vijay, Operation Rakshak and Operation Parakram.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/nation-proud-of-indian-armed-forces-president/story-2UQLTJoYnnjUWglCY77maK.html|title=Nation proud of Indian Armed Forces – President in The Hindustan Times|date=2011-11-27|access-date=2020-11-01}} It has also performed exceedingly well in deserts, thereby earning the sobriquet 'The Desert Rats'. The regiment has won two Vir Chakras.{{cite web|url= https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111128/main6.htm|title= Young cavaliers earn their spurs in The Tribune|date=2011-11-27|access-date=2020-11-01}}

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.{{cite web|url= https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111128/main6.htm|title= Young cavaliers earn their spurs in The Tribune|date=2011-11-27|access-date=2020-11-01}} The motto of the Regiment is 'पवित्रता, दृढ़ता और वीरता' ('Pavitrata, Dridhta, Veerta'). The Regimental colours are Purple and Black.

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Category:Military units and formations established in 1971

Category:Armoured and cavalry regiments of the Indian Army from 1947