Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta Takes Over as Colonel of the Punjab Regiment from Lt Gen Johnson P Mathew

In a notable military ceremony, Lieutenant General Johnson P Mathew, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) and the outgoing Colonel of the Punjab Regiment, transferred the ceremonial baton of ‘Colonel of the Regiment’ to Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, who serves as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Central Command. This significant event took place at the 150 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Punjab, marking an important leadership transition within one of the Indian Army’s most distinguished regiments.

Attended by former Colonels of the Regiment, veterans, and current personnel of the Punjab Regiment, the ceremony was a reflection of the unit’s rich history and ongoing legacy. The backdrop featured the Punjab Regiment’s insignia alongside a banner denoting “The Punjab Regiment: Cor Baton Exchange,” symbolizing the formal transfer of this eminent role.

Lieutenant General Johnson P Mathew boasts a distinguished military career that began when he was commissioned into the Punjab Regiment on December 14, 1985. Before stepping into the CISC role, he served as the General Officer Commanding of the Uttar Bharat Area. With a comprehensive education, including attendance at Sainik School in Kazhakootam, the National Defence Academy, and the Indian Military Academy, he also furthered his expertise at the Defence Services Staff College and the Army War College. Throughout his tenure as Colonel of the Regiment, Lt Gen Mathew demonstrated a steadfast commitment to upholding the regiment’s traditions while promoting its operational excellence.

Now stepping into the role of Colonel of the Punjab Regiment, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta has solidified his leadership stance within the Indian Army, complementing his responsibilities as GOC-in-C Central Command, a position he assumed on July 2, 2024. Upon arriving in Lucknow last year, he paid homage at the Central Command War Memorial ‘Smritika’ and conducted a ceremonial guard of honour review.

Tracing its origins back to 1705, the Punjab Regiment is recognized as one of the oldest infantry regiments in the Indian Army. Its initial battalions were raised in the course of the Carnatic hostilities in South India between 1761 and 1776. Officially formed from the 2nd Punjab Regiment of the British Indian Army in 1947, the regiment has participated in numerous battles and wars, amassing an impressive 22 Battle Honours, one Theatre Honour (Punjab), and several gallantry awards. The regiment’s 15 Punjab (previously known as First Patiala) battalion commemorated its 300 years of dedicated service in 2005, signifying a long-standing legacy.

The baton exchange during this ceremony not only represents the transition of ceremonial leadership but also reaffirms the Punjab Regiment’s enduring commitment to its traditions, values, and operational readiness. With the regiment’s motto of being “Strong and Capable,” this event served to honor both veterans and active soldiers, while preparing to face future challenges.

The Punjab Regiment continues to be a cornerstone of the Indian Army, and this recent leadership transition highlights its ongoing role as a symbol of courage, honor, and unity within the nation’s defence forces.