Lt Gen Manjinder Singh Visits 7 Madras Infantry Battalion Ahead of UN Peacekeeping Mission

During his visit, Lt. Gen. Singh engaged with the soldiers, affectionately known as ‘Thambis’, offering them valuable insights and encouragement.

In a notable pre-deployment visit, Lt. Gen. Manjinder Singh, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) and Colonel of the Madras Regiment, met with the 7 Madras Infantry Battalion Group at Manesar.

This visit comes as the battalion prepares for its upcoming deployment to Lebanon under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

During his visit, Lt. Gen. Singh engaged with the soldiers, affectionately known as ‘Thambis’, offering them valuable insights and encouragement. He commended their readiness and commitment, urging them to continue their exemplary service and uphold the distinguished legacy of the Madras Regiment in the upcoming UN mission.

The 7th Battalion of the Madras Infantry Regiment, affectionately known as “Shandaar Saat,” boasts a storied heritage that stretches back to its inception in 1798. Originally established as the 2/14th Madras Native Infantry, the battalion underwent numerous transformations, being renamed the 28th Madras Native Infantry in 1824 and later the 28th Madras Infantry in 1885. In 1903, it was designated as the 88th Carnatic Infantry.

Despite being disbanded in 1921, the battalion was re-raised in 1943 and then again in 1946, only to be disbanded shortly thereafter. It was permanently re-formed in 1964, continuing its venerable tradition within the Madras Regiment. Over the centuries, the battalion has been an integral part of key military engagements, including battles at Mahidpore, Nagpore, and Ava, as well as the campaign in China in 1900.

The visit underscores the high standards and the significant role of the Indian Army in global peacekeeping efforts.