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Ekta Nagar (Gujarat), Oct 22 (IANS) In a historic first, the Border Security Force (BSF) will showcase a special marching contingent of indigenous Indian breed of dogs during the upcoming Unity Day Parade in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar.
The event, organized to commemorate the National Unity Day, will also include a dog training demonstration highlighting the tactical skills and operational excellence – which is the proud symbol of India’s self-reliant K9 force.
Indian breeds have long been celebrated for their courage, stamina and loyalty. From royal courts to battlefields, these dogs have been an integral part of India’s cultural and martial traditions.
This legacy was revived in 2018 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the National Dog Training Center (NTCD) in Tekanpur and urged for the induction of Indian breeds in the country’s security forces.
Building on the vision of the Prime Minister reiterated during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on August 30, 2020, the BSF began inducting and training two indigenous breeds – the Rampur Hound from Uttar Pradesh and the Mudhol Hound from the Deccan Plateau.
Known for their agility, flexibility and adaptability, these breeds are particularly well suited to the diverse terrain and climatic conditions of India.
BSF Deputy Inspector General Gopesh Nag told IANS, “When PM Modi visited our BSF National Dog Centre, he asked if we were training Indian breed dogs. At that time, I told him we were not authorized. Two years later, after his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ mention, we started training Indian breed dogs – Rampur Hound from Uttar Pradesh and Mudhol Hound from the South. Both the breeds are intelligent. And there are aggressive working dogs.”
He proudly recalled the achievements of two BSF dogs – Riya and Babita.
Nag said, “Mudhol hound Riya created history by winning the Best in Tracker Trade and Best Dog of the Meet title at the All India Police Duty Meet 2024 in Lucknow, beating 116 foreign breeds. Babita, another trained Indian breed, helped in stopping infiltrators on the Punjab border, alerted our troops and recovered Austrian-made pistols and magazines.”
BSF has not only trained these breeds at NTCD Tekanpur but has also initiated large scale breeding and propagation programs in its field formations and supporting K9 centres.
Today, more than 150 Indian breed dogs have been deployed on operational fronts including the western and eastern borders and in anti-Naxal operations, where they have performed exceptionally well.
Historically, the Rampur Hound was bred by the Nawabs of Rampur for hunting large game, while the Mudhol Hound has been associated with the Maratha armies for its alertness and loyalty.
Their revival in modern security roles is an important step in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and reflects a deep commitment to promoting indigenous heritage.
As the Indian breed contingent of the BSF marches in the Unity Day Parade, it will stand as a powerful testament to the country’s growing self-reliance, pride and respect for its native breeds.
These K9 soldiers not only symbolize India’s operational excellence but also serve as a living symbol of the country’s strength, resilience and heritage.
–IANS
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