Badluram and the Assam Regiment: A mighty tale of wit and grit

The Assam Regiment soldiers on duty (Image Source: Wikipedia)

Since time immemorial, India has been a subject of foreign invasions, raids and plunders. History is witness to countless number of such tales in which our bravehearts sacrificed their lives until our independence in 1947. Several incidents of absolute wit and grit that had happened all this while now forms a part of India’s folklore and inspires every countryman.In 1941, Lt. Col. Ross Howman of the British Raj, in order to safeguard the needs of the then undivided territory of Assam, established the Assam Regiment of the Indian Army. This infantry regiment mostly comprises of tough and cheerful tribal youths recruited exclusively from the North Eastern frontier of India.

Only 6 months into its inception, the regiment was rushed to Digboi in upper Assam to protect the oil wells from falling into foreign hands. The regiment was also instrumental in withstanding an attempted Japenese invansion and securing control along border territories in 1944.What makes this regiment standout is their regimental song titled “Badluram Ka Badan zameen ke niche hain aur humein uska ration milta hain” (meaning ‘Badluram’s body is beneath the ground but we draw ration in his name’) which narrates a beautiful and witty tale from the past.

The story dates back to the time of World War II. Legend has it that when the Assam regiment was engaged in warfront with the Japanese troops near Kohima, they were surrounded by the enemy forces and cut off from basic supply of ration. However they survived owing to the shrewd mindset of their quartermaster who continued to draw ration supplies in the name of Badluram, a martyr.The lyrics of the song goes as…

Ek khubsurat ladki thi,
Usko dekh ke rifleman,
Chindi kheechna bhul Gaya,
Havildar major dekh liya,
Usko pithoo lagaya,
Badluram ek sipahi tha,
Japan war mein mar gaya,
Quarter master smart tha,
Usne ration nikala
Badluram ka badan zameen ke neeche hai,
Badluram ka badan zameen ke neeche hai,
Badluram ka badan zameen ke neeche hai,
Toh hame uska ration milta hai
Shabaash, hallelujah
Shabaash, hallelujah

Today the regimental song echoes throughout the Happy Valley in Shillong during each passing out ceremony (called the Kasam Parade) of the recruits marking the end of their training period. The Needless to say, the way in which the cadets clap, sing and stomp their feet to the tunes of this song enchants the heart and soul of every Indian and fills the inner self with pride and patriotism.While the Rhino is the regimental insignia of the Assam Regiment, their warcry is ‘Rhino Charge’. A decade after India’s independence, Maj. Gen. S.C. Barbora (Late), the then commanding officer of the regiment paid a visit and enquired about the overall condition and morale of the soldiers. ‘Tagda ho?’he asked. The soldiers replied, ‘Tagda hain saheb’. Since then ‘Tagda Raho’ (meaning ‘Stay Strong’) has been used as the regimental salutation.

Tagda Raho, Jai Hind !!!

Article courtesy: my blog