India’s oldest Infantry regiment traces its journey from the 1750s during the British East India Company era
Formation
In 1748, Major Stringer Lawrence, appointed by the East India Company, initiated its development in Cuddalore, but officially established in 1758
Significance
It played a crucial role in various movements with the British East India Company before independence and continued its service with the Indian Army post-independence
Key contributions
All Indo-Pak wars, especially 1999 Kargil, Operation Pawan & Meghdoot, and UN Peacekeeping Missions in Congo, Lebanon, and Sudan
Motto
"Swadharme Nidhanam Shreyaha" from the Bhagavad Gita, translates to "It is glory to die doing one’s duty"
War Cry
Adopted in 1969,the Madras Regiment draws motivation by “Veer madrassi, adi kollu, adi kollu, adi kollu!” (Brave Madrassi, hit and kill, hit and kill, hit and kill!)
Insignia
It consists of an elephant surmounting a pair of Malabar swords with a shield at the crossing, and a scroll inscribed 'THE MADRAS REGIMENT'
Regimental headquarters
Wellington, near Ooty (Udhaga-mandalam), in Tamil Nadu with 29 battalions