<p>Before their departure at the end of the Republic Day parade, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spent a few minutes with a majestic horse that was always a part of the iconic parade for over a decade.</p>.<p>The 73rd Republic Day parade was the 13th and last parade for Virat, the majestic mount and an integral member of the President’s Bodyguard – an elite Army unit - for all these years.</p>.<p>Inducted into the PBG on September 12, 2000, the horse has been the Commandant’s Charger for over a decade. In his last outing, Virat was mounted by Col Anup Tiwari, the Commandant of the President Bodyguard, who rode to the right of the President’s car.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/department-of-post-tableau-showcases-modern-face-of-india-post-women-empowerment-1074843.html">Department of Post tableau showcases modern face of India Post, women empowerment </a></strong></p>.<p>A Hanoverian breed, Virat was awarded with the Chief of Army Staff’s commendation on the occasion of the Army Day, 2022 and is the first charger horse of the PBG to receive such a prize.</p>.<p>“His performed his duties as the Commandant's Charger for over a decade and awed spectators including foreign dignitaries with his trademark poise and confidence. He displayed the potential and temperament to become the most trustworthy parade horse,” said an officer.</p>.<p>Last year, during the Republic Day parade and Beating Retreat ceremony, Virat performed exceptionally well despite his old age.</p>.<p>President Kovind also complimented the horse on a number of occasions for his stellar performance during mounted ceremonial events as well as equestrian events.</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
<p>Before their departure at the end of the Republic Day parade, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spent a few minutes with a majestic horse that was always a part of the iconic parade for over a decade.</p>.<p>The 73rd Republic Day parade was the 13th and last parade for Virat, the majestic mount and an integral member of the President’s Bodyguard – an elite Army unit - for all these years.</p>.<p>Inducted into the PBG on September 12, 2000, the horse has been the Commandant’s Charger for over a decade. In his last outing, Virat was mounted by Col Anup Tiwari, the Commandant of the President Bodyguard, who rode to the right of the President’s car.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/department-of-post-tableau-showcases-modern-face-of-india-post-women-empowerment-1074843.html">Department of Post tableau showcases modern face of India Post, women empowerment </a></strong></p>.<p>A Hanoverian breed, Virat was awarded with the Chief of Army Staff’s commendation on the occasion of the Army Day, 2022 and is the first charger horse of the PBG to receive such a prize.</p>.<p>“His performed his duties as the Commandant's Charger for over a decade and awed spectators including foreign dignitaries with his trademark poise and confidence. He displayed the potential and temperament to become the most trustworthy parade horse,” said an officer.</p>.<p>Last year, during the Republic Day parade and Beating Retreat ceremony, Virat performed exceptionally well despite his old age.</p>.<p>President Kovind also complimented the horse on a number of occasions for his stellar performance during mounted ceremonial events as well as equestrian events.</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
