Farewells are never easy, but can be warm. The country was witness to one such incident last month when Virat retired from service. Here we aren’t talking about the great cricketer Virat Kohli who also announced his decision to step down as the captain of the Indian Test team mid-January sending shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity, but about the lead steed of the President’s Bodygua who was given a warm send-off by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the 2022 Republic Day parade. Come let’s find out more about the steed.
First horse to get commendation card
Virat is a 21-year-old dark bay stallion, a veteran of over 13 Republic Day parades. He escorted the President for one last time before retiring gracefully on January 26. On his last outing, Virat was mounted by Col Anup Tiwari, the Commandant of the President’s Bodyguard, the elite cavalry regiment of the Indian Army. Virat was awarded the Chief of the Army Staff commendation on the eve of Army Day on January 15, 2022, for his exemplary service and abilities, and is the first charger horse of the PBG to receive the commendation card.
A Hanoverian breed
Virat is a Hanoverian, a German breed of horse known for its patience, sturdiness, speed, and stamina. Virat used to lead the parade every time on Republic Day as the Commandant’s Charger. He would play this role even when a foreign head of state was welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President. Virat is said to have performed his duties as the Commandant’s charger for over a decade and awed spectators, including foreign dignitaries, with his trademark poise and confidence.
Cynosure of all eyes
The magnificent charger of the PBG arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2003 at the age of three from the Remount Training School and Depot, Hempur, Uttarakhand. His elegance and graceful trot won him several hearts. It is said that Virat’s ability to listen to the faintest of whispers of his rider amidst the din of the Republic Day celebrations on Rajpath in New Delhi made him the most trusted horse.
The army veteran served three presidents. Well, if you’re wondering what happens to him now, the PBG has decided to keep him and take care of him for the rest of his retired life.
Picture Credit : Google
