Army's Animal Corps to Showcase Diverse Contingent at Republic Day Parade
In a historic first, the Indian Army's Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) will present a specially curated animal contingent at the upcoming Republic Day Parade, moving beyond the traditional dog squad to include camels and ponies. This significant display underscores the Corps' operational importance and the enduring bond between soldiers and animals in safeguarding the nation.
History and Role of the Remount and Veterinary Corps
The RVC is one of the oldest branches of the Indian Army, with its origins tracing back to the Stud Department established in Bengal in 1779. Over the years, it has evolved through various reorganizations, including the Army Veterinary Corps (India) in 1920 and the Indian Remount and Veterinary Corps in 1950, before being formally established as the Remount and Veterinary Corps in 1960. The Corps motto, Pashu Seva Asmakam Dharma (Service to animals is our duty), reflects its dedication to animal welfare and military service.
Specializing in the breeding, rearing, and training of Army animals such as horses, mules, and dogs, the RVC ensures their operational readiness for combat, reconnaissance, and logistics, particularly in challenging terrains like high-altitude regions. The Corps has played a vital role in all major conflicts, including the First and Second World Wars, and was awarded the President's Flag in 1989 for its meritorious service.
Significance of the Animal Contingent
This year's parade will highlight the RVC's crucial contributions as a force multiplier in difficult terrains. Leading the contingent will be Bactrian camels, inducted for animal transport in the cold deserts of Ladakh. Adapted to extreme cold and altitudes above 15,000 feet, these camels can carry loads of up to 250 kilograms and navigate steep gradients and sandy terrain, supporting logistics and mounted patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Following the camels are indigenous Zanskar ponies from Ladakh, known for their exceptional endurance at high altitudes and sub-zero temperatures. Despite their small stature, these ponies can carry loads of 40 to 60 kilograms over long distances and are employed for logistics and patrol duties in high Himalayan regions, including Siachen.
Army dogs, the more experienced participants, will be at the rear of the contingent. In recent years, the RVC has inducted indigenous dog breeds such as Mudhol, Rampur, Chippiparai, Kombai, and Rajapalayam as part of an indigenous breeds drive, with the Mudhol Hound being the first Indian breed formally taken up in 2016. The contingent will also feature four raptors, adding to the diversity of the display.
Leadership and Induction of Officers
Adding to the significance of this year's parade, the contingent will be led by Captain Harshita Raghav, one of the first women officers inducted into the RVC in 2023. Candidates with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) from recognized universities can apply to join the RVC as Short Service Commissioned Officers, with an age limit of 21 to 32 years. The recruitment process involves shortlisting based on applications and marks, followed by an SSB interview and medical test, after which selected candidates are trained in Meerut and commissioned as Captains.
Operational Contributions and Sacrifices
The RVC's contributions extend beyond military duties to include strengthening military diplomacy through horse riding training under the NCC, veterinary assistance in remote areas, participation in United Nations missions, and providing trained animals to friendly countries. In operations, the Corps has been actively involved in conflicts such as Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force and the Kargil conflict, ensuring efficient animal transport at far-flung posts.
More recently, the Corps participated in disaster relief efforts during the Wayanad floods in August 2024 and the Himachal and Uttarakhand floods last year. Many animals, particularly highly trained dogs, have made supreme sacrifices in the line of duty. For instance, in 2024, Kent, a six-year-old Labrador, died while shielding her handler from a terrorist encounter, and Phantom, a K-9 dog from 9 Paras SF, was lost in terrorist gunfire in J&K's Akhnoor district. These animals, along with others like Mansi and Axel, have been honored with gallantry awards for their bravery.
This Republic Day Parade will not only celebrate the RVC's rich history but also highlight its ongoing role in national security and animal welfare, showcasing the silent warriors who serve alongside Indian soldiers.
