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Ahmedabad: The famous camel contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF), once known as the Ganga Singh Risala of the princely state of Bikaner, will be seen in the upcoming Unity Parade at the Statue of Unity. Two units of the team, comprising 52 camels brought from Jodhpur in specially designed vehicles, will participate in the event.
Known for its spectacular presence at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, the BSF camel squad has a proud and historical lineage dating back to the early 20th century.
The contingent has its origins in the Bikaner Camel Corps – a regiment raised by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, who modernized his army and created a special camel-mounted unit to patrol the desert borders.
This force, known as Ganga Singh Risala, was integrated into the Indian Army after independence. In 1965, after the formation of the Border Security Force, the responsibility of the Camel Regiment was officially handed over to the BSF.
Today, the camel team stands as an iconic symbol of India’s desert defense and cultural heritage. The unit remains a permanent part of the BSF, performing ceremonial duties during national events and representing the frontier spirit of India. Camels, mainly of Jaisalmer and Bikaner breed, are carefully selected on the basis of their height, weight, strength and ability to adapt to desert conditions.
While Jaisalmeri camels are known for their stamina and speed, Bikaneri camels are prized for their strength and load-carrying ability. Once joining the troop, each camel is assigned a dedicated rider who trains, cares for, and even names the animal. The most disciplined camels lead the formation during the parade.
The riders – easily recognized by their long moustaches, saffron turbans and traditional uniforms – undergo rigorous training to master the art of camel riding and parade exercises.
“Riding a camel requires the rider’s body to move in rhythm with the movement of the animal. It is both an art and a discipline,” said a BSF official.
In the mid-1980s, BSF officer KS Rathore was instrumental in strengthening the camel contingent and established a dedicated training school in Jodhpur. In 1986, the BSF introduced the Camel Band, a unique musical unit where musicians perform atop camels – a challenging feat that requires exceptional balance and coordination.
–IANS