“The major problem faced by territorial army today is that it doesn’t get recognition on par with the Army. More number of individuals from government institutions should come forward to join the territorial army and help us perform better,” said Colonel Sanjay Kumar Thapa, Commanding Officer, 106 Infantry Battalion, Territorial Army on Tuesday.

He was speaking at the Territorial Army Day celebrations organised by BBMP in Bangalore. Colonel Thapa stressed that there was a difference in the way the territorial army worked when compared to Army.

Ecological survey
“People who join Territorial Army get trained for two months and are occupied in their own jobs the rest of the year. We hope that in coming days, the Territorial Army gets similar status like that of Army,” he added.Colonel Thapa also urged the State government to set up a new ecological unit which would engage itself in conducting ecological survey in Karnataka. B S Ramaprasad, Additional Commissioner (Administration), BBMP lauded the services extended by Territorial Army in the country during the time of peace. “Ever since its inception in 1948, the Territorial Army is doing selfless service during natural calamities and times of unrest in the country. Their efforts in protecting our valuable natural resources is also commendable,” he said. Joint Commissioner (East) BBMP, S N Nagaraj called upon people to join Territorial Army in more numbers and serve the nation.

War widows and Territorial Army personnel who extended exemplary services were awarded on the occasion. A flag march from the Territorial Army unit lines in Benson Town to Ulsoor Road was also held.