ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN

Sanket Upadhyay

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"…It is a fantastic experience to come here. These guards are a symbol of valour, strength and commitment…"


Sunday, December 4, 2005 (New Delhi):

It was a special Saturday evening for President A P J Abdul Kalam's bodyguards.

After ceremoniously receiving a silver trumpet and a trumpet banner from the President on Friday, they had the privilege to dine with the first citizen of the country.

The Bada Khaana was like a wish come true, especially for children of these men, who guard the country's first citizen.

"I had three wishes. First was to be a pilot, second was to be a good citizen and the third was to meet the President. My third wish has come true," said Mudit, a student.

For President Kalam, it was a time to relax with the teacher inside him taking over for the evening.

"It is a fantastic experience to come here. These guards are a symbol of valour, strength and commitment. These are three very important points required for nation building," said Dr Kalam.

The President's Bodyguards as it is known today was set up in 1773 in Benaras by Governor General Warren Hastings. It was known as the Governor General's Bodyguards then.

What started with a strength of 50 troops has turned into a 2,000-strong force with 72 well-bred horses.

The President's Bodyguards' Bada Khaana was a treat for Kalam. But more than him, it was a treat for the hundreds of children gathered for the occasion.