Under the guidance of Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, Commandant of the Indian Military Academy and Colonel of the Mahar Regiment, the 35th Biennial Battalion Commanders Conference took place at the Mahar Regimental Centre in Sagar on February 18, 2025. This significant event gathered Commanding Officers, officers from affiliated sister services, including INS Kolkata and 8 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, along with senior Mahar Regiment officials, to engage in comprehensive strategic discussions.
The conference served as a platform for a detailed evaluation of regimental goals, as well as a holistic review of training methodologies, regimental operations, and human resource management. Central to the discussions was the emphasis on enhancing operational readiness and effectiveness, ensuring that the Mahar Regiment continues to uphold its distinguished legacy of valor and service.
The Mahar Regiment, originally designed to be comprised of troops from the Mahar community, has progressively transformed to include a wide range of communities from various states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. This evolution reflects the modern Indian Army’s ethos of unity in diversity, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, who previously commanded the XVI Corps, brought a wealth of experience to the conference. His leadership fostered a forward-looking vision focused on future readiness and the integration of diverse military branches. The establishment of an affiliation with the Indian Air Force’s 8 Squadron, formalized in 2022, was also emphasized during the discussions, highlighting the regiment’s dedication to joint operational capabilities.
Beyond serving as a strategic meeting, the conference also functioned as a celebration of the rich history of the Mahar Regiment and its ongoing contributions to national defense. The event underscored the importance of tradition, rigorous training, and innovative approaches in the context of modern warfare, reinforcing the regiment’s commitment to evolving with the changing dynamics of military operations.
