Inspiring Mottos of the Indian Armed Forces

The Indian Armed Forces, comprising the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy, stand as the formidable pillars of the nation’s security and defense. These brave men and women, numbering over 1.4 million active personnel, are the guardians of our sovereignty, protecting our borders, and safeguarding our citizens with unwavering dedication. At the heart of their unwavering commitment lies a set of Inspiring mottos of the Indian Armed Forces that serve as a rallying cry for valor, duty, and sacrifice.

The Indian Army Motto: “Sewa Paramo Dharma”

The Indian Army’s motto, “Sewa Paramo Dharma,” translates to “Service is our prime duty.” This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of the Army’s ethos, where the welfare and security of the nation take precedence over personal interests. The Army’s war cry, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” further reinforces this dedication to the motherland, inspiring soldiers to put the country’s interests above all else.

Mottos of the Indian Armed Forces Units

Beyond the overarching Army motto, each regiment and unit of the Indian Armed Forces has its own unique motto that reflects its history, traditions, and core values. These mottos serve as a source of pride and inspiration for the soldiers, instilling in them a deep sense of purpose and camaraderie.

The Indian Air Force Motto: “Nabha Sparsham Deeptam”

Translating to “Touch the sky with glory,” the Indian Air Force’s motto encapsulates the aspiration of its aviators to soar to new heights and achieve remarkable feats in the defense of the nation. The war cry “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” further unites the Air Force personnel in their unwavering commitment to the motherland.

The Indian Navy Motto: “Sham-No Varuna”

The Indian Navy’s motto, “Sham-No Varuna,” invokes the blessings of the Lord of the Oceans, seeking his auspiciousness for their voyages and operations. This reverence for the maritime domain reflects the Navy’s role as the guardian of India’s vast coastline and maritime interests.

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The Regiment of Artillery Motto: “Sarvatra Izzat O Iqbal”

The Regiment of Artillery, responsible for the deployment and operation of the nation’s formidable artillery assets, takes pride in its motto “Sarvatra Izzat O Iqbal,” which translates to “Everywhere with honour and glory.” This motto underscores the Artillery’s commitment to achieving victory and upholding the reputation of the Indian Armed Forces.

The Brigade of the Guards Motto: “Pahla Hamesha Pahla”

The Brigade of the Guards, known for their elite status and ceremonial duties, proudly proclaim their motto “Pahla Hamesha Pahla,” meaning “First, always first.” This statement of unwavering primacy and excellence reflects the Guards’ dedication to leading from the front and setting the standard for the rest of the Armed Forces.

The Parachute Regiment Motto: “Shatrujeet”

The Parachute Regiment, renowned for its daring airborne operations, carries the motto “Shatrujeet,” which translates to “The Conqueror.” This bold declaration of victory over the enemy encapsulates the Regiment’s unwavering spirit and the fearlessness of its soldiers.

The Mechanised Infantry Regiment Motto: “Valour and Faith”

The Mechanised Infantry Regiment, responsible for the deployment of armored and mechanized forces, embodies the motto “Valour and Faith.” This dual emphasis on courage and steadfastness underscores the Regiment’s commitment to protecting the nation with unwavering determination.

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The Punjab Regiment Motto: “Sthal Wa Jal”

The Punjab Regiment, with a rich history dating back to the colonial era, bears the motto “Sthal Wa Jal,” meaning “By land and sea.” This motto reflects the Regiment’s versatility and readiness to operate in diverse terrains, from the rugged land to the vast oceans.

The Madras Regiment Motto: “Swadharme Nidhanam Shreyaha”

The Madras Regiment, one of the oldest infantry regiments in the Indian Army, carries the motto “Swadharme Nidhanam Shreyaha,” which translates to “It is a glory to die doing one’s duty.” This profound statement underscores the Regiment’s commitment to selfless service and the willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

The Gorkha Rifles Motto: “Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro”

The Gorkha Rifles, renowned for their fierce warrior spirit, share a common motto across all their regiments: “Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro,” which means “Better to die than live like a coward.” This bold declaration of unwavering courage and determination has made the Gorkha Rifles a formidable force on the battlefield.

The Maratha Light Infantry Motto: “Kartavya, Maan, Saahas”

The Maratha Light Infantry’s motto, “Kartavya, Maan, Saahas,” translates to “Duty, Honour, Courage.” This triumvirate of virtues encapsulates the Regiment’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities, upholding its proud traditions, and displaying unwavering bravery in the face of adversity.

The Grenadiers Motto: “Sarvada Shaktishali”

The Grenadiers, renowned for their elite status and specialized training, carry the motto “Sarvada Shaktishali,” which means “Ever Powerful.” This declaration of unparalleled strength and prowess serves as a testament to the Regiment’s uncompromising standards and its ability to overcome any challenge.

Indian Army Motto Military Unit Wise:

Regiment	Active From	Regimental Center	Motto
Madras Regiment	1758	Wellington, Tamil Nadu	“Swadharme nidhanam shreyaha” (“it is a glory to die doing one’s duty”)
Rajputana Rifles	1775	Delhi Cantonment, Delhi	“Veer bhogya vasundhara” (“the brave shall inherit the earth”)
Rajput Regiment	1778	Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh	“Sarvatra vijay” (“victory everywhere”)
Dogra Regiment	1877	Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh	“Kartavyam anvatma” (“duty before death”)
Sikh Regiment	1846	Ramgarh Cantonment, Jharkhand	“Nischay kar apni jeet karon” (“with determination, I will be triumphant”)
Jat Regiment	1795	Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh	“Sangathan va veerta” (“unity and valour”)
Parachute Regiment	1945	Bengaluru, Karnataka	“Shatrujeet” (“the conqueror”)
Punjab Regiment	1761	Ramgarh Cantonment, Jharkhand	“Sthal wa jal” (“by land and sea”)
The Grenadiers	1778	Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh	“Naam, Namak, Nishan” (“Name, Salt, Mark”)
Sikh Light Infantry	1944	Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh	“Deg teg fateh” (“Victory to charity and arms”)
Maratha Light Infantry	1768	Belgaum, Karnataka	“Duty, honour, courage”
The Garhwal Rifles	1887	Lansdowne, Uttarakhand	“Yudhaya krit nischya” (“fight with determination”)
Kumaon Regiment	1813	Ranikhet, Uttarakhand	“Parakramo vijayate” (“valour triumphs”)
Assam Regiment	1941	Shillong, Meghalaya	“Assam vikram” (“unique valour”)
Bihar Regiment	1941	Danapur, Bihar	“Veerta se yudh par” (“To war with valour”)
Mahar Regiment	1815	Saugor, Madhya Pradesh	“Yash sidhi” (“success and attainment”)
Jammu & Kashmir Rifles	1821	Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh	“Prashata ranvirta” (“valour in battle is praiseworthy”)
Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry	1947	Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir	“Balidanam vir lakshanam” (“sacrifice is a characteristic of the brave”)
Naga Regiment	1970	Ranikhet, Uttarakhand	“Parakramo vijayate” (“valour triumphs”)
1 Gorkha Rifles (The Malaun Regiment)	1815	Subathu, Himachal Pradesh	“Kayar hunu bhanda marnu ramro” (“better to die than live like a coward”)
3 Gorkha Rifles	1815	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	“Kayar hunu bhanda marnu ramro” (“better to die than live like a coward”)
4 Gorkha Rifles	1857	Sabathu, Himachal Pradesh	“Kayar hunu bhanda marnu ramro” (“better to die than live like a coward”)
5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)	1858	Shillong, Meghalaya	“Shaurya evam nistha” (“courage and determination”)
8 Gorkha Rifles	1824	Shillong, Meghalaya	“Kayar hunu bhanda marnu ramro” (“better to die than live like a coward”)
9 Gorkha Rifles	1817	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	“Kayar hunu bhanda marnu ramro” (“better to die than live like a coward”)
11 Gorkha Rifles	1918-1922; from 1948	Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh	“Yatraham vijayastatra” (“Victory resides where I reside”)

The Unifying Spirit of the Indian Armed Forces

While each regiment and unit of the Indian Armed Forces has its own distinct motto, they are all united by a common thread of service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the nation. These mottos, passed down through generations of soldiers, serve as a rallying cry, inspiring the men and women in uniform to uphold the highest standards of military excellence and to always place the welfare of the country above their own.

The Impact of Regimental Mottos

The mottos of the Indian Armed Forces units not only serve as a source of inspiration for the soldiers but also play a crucial role in shaping the identity, traditions, and esprit de corps of each regiment. These mottos are deeply ingrained in the psyche of the troops, guiding their actions and decisions on and off the battlefield. They instill a sense of pride, camaraderie, and a shared purpose that transcends individual aspirations, fostering a strong bond among the soldiers.

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The Enduring Legacy of the Indian Armed Forces Mottos

The mottos of the Indian Armed Forces have stood the test of time, serving as a constant reminder of the unwavering spirit and legacy of the nation’s defenders. As the Indian military continues to evolve and adapt to the changing global landscape, these mottos remain a steadfast source of inspiration, guiding the next generation of soldiers to uphold the honor and integrity of the Indian Armed Forces.

Conclusion

The mottos of the Indian Armed Forces are not merely words on a banner; they are the embodiment of the valor, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment that have defined the nation’s defenders throughout its history. From the Indian Army‘s “Sewa Paramo Dharma” to the Gorkha Rifles’ “Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro,” these mottos serve as a rallying cry, inspiring generations of soldiers to put the country’s interests above all else and to always be ready to defend the motherland with their lives. As the Indian Armed Forces continue to safeguard the nation’s security and territorial integrity, these mottos will endure as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the men and women who wear the uniform with pride.

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