NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, JAN 28
Emphasising President Ram Nath Kovinds compassion, two retiring majestic horses, Vikrant and Viraat, will be retained in the Presidents Bodyguard. Both decisions, to retain Vikrant and Viraat, are in line with India’s high traditions of humane treatment of animals – and aligned to President Ram Nath Kovind’s own compassion for them – it is learnt.
On the 73rd Republic Day today, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi bid farewell to Virat, the elite horse of Prez’s bodyguard. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also joined PM Modi and the President as they bid farewell to Virat, who had participated in its last Republic Day parade at Rajpath in the national capital.
All policies pertaining to Army animals are issued by the Army headquarters. Hence, Presidential Bodyguard animals also follow the regulations of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), President’s Bodyguard sources said. The MoD is the administrative ministry and only competent authority to explain queries pertaining to upkeep of animals. However, the President’s Bodyguard will be making a request to the Army headquarters to retain Virat in the Regiment for his retired life as a mark of respect for his services, President’s Bodyguard sources said.
It is learnt that another majestic horse, Vikrant, assigned to President’s Bodyguard and retiring around the same time, may be retained similarly.
