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Port Blair, March 5: The only Equestrian Training Centre of the islands was inaugurated by Vice Admiral DK Joshi, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM at Military Station Birchgunj on 04 Mar 10.
Horses, are living symbols of romance that man has forged with animals. This romance dates back to 3 centuries Before Christ and has literally endured the test of time. Whether it was glory in war epitomised by the famous ‘CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE’ or the legendary romances including the one about Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan eloping with his beloved Samyukta from Kanauj or whether it was the ultimate symbol of faithfulness highlighted by the famous ‘Chetak’ carrying the injured Maharana Pratap to safety in the ravines of Haldi Ghati, horses have been closely associated and entwined in the conscious and sub conscious of mankind.
There have been no horses in the Emerald Islands as far as the living memory goes, apart from two horses which were brought here for shooting of a movie some decades ago. It is for the first time in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that horses have been inducted, for there is no better companion to man, who has also been an excellent partner, doing things that man has asked of this magnificent beast. This momentous achievement has been propelled by the vision and the spirit of adventure of the Commander- in- Chief Vice Admiral DK Joshi and the guidance provided by Chief of Staff, Maj Gen AK Chaturvedi.
Cdr Prateek Ghosh, an ardent rider himself made it possible for the five horses which belong to Indian Navy Polo and Equestrian Contingent (INPEC) to have been transported from Delhi to Port Blair in the month of January.
This challenging journey involved moving on wheels from Delhi to Kolkata, thereafter on board INS Kesari from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Docks, Kolkata to Port Blair. Finally, onboard 3 Rajputana Rifles vehicles to their destination at Military Station Birchgunj. This challenging task would not have fructified but for the wholehearted support of the Captain and Ship’s company of INS Kesari and expertise of the Veterinary Officer Lt Col SD Sharma, not to mention the passion and overall supervision of Cdr Prateek Ghosh of Base Victualling Yard.
The Andaman and Nicobar Command Equestrian Training Centre has been created in a record time of three months by 3 Rajputana Rifles. What is noteworthy is the fact that not only the infrastructure created is eco friendly in nature, but has been created by the ingenuity of the officers and men of the battalion who did not allow remoteness of the islands or any other obstacles to come in between them and their objective. The involvement in true INFANTRY spirit which enabled chalking out the Jungle Trail of approx two kilometres.
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