In a powerful symbol of self-reliance and national pride, India’s indigenous dog breeds took center stage at this year’s Rashtriya Ekta Divas (National Unity Day) celebrations at the Statue of Unity. The spotlight turned to the country’s homegrown K9 warriors as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a landmark decision for the nation's security forces.
Marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, PM Modi declared that in the upcoming National Unity Day Parade at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, the Border Security Force (BSF) will be represented exclusively by Indian dog breeds. A special demonstration will showcase their formidable tactical and operational skills, positioning them as a new emblem of an ‘Atmanirbhar’ and proud India.
A Tribute and a Vision
The day’s celebrations began at 8 a.m. with Prime Minister Modi offering prayers and paying floral tributes at the colossal Statue of Unity. The ensuing ‘Ekta Diwas Samaroh’ was a vibrant display of India’s cultural diversity and unity. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi delved into the historic and cultural significance of indigenous dog breeds, underscoring their longstanding role in India’s military and societal traditions.
Dogs have always held a revered place in Indian history, mythology, and royal courts. Celebrated for their unmatched courage, steadfast loyalty, and operational efficiency, these native breeds represent an unbroken bond between humans and animals, a thread running through the very fabric of Indian heritage.
From ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to the Frontlines
This strategic initiative traces its roots to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the BSF National Dog Training Centre (NDTC) in Tekanpur in January 2018. During his visit, he emphasised the need to promote and integrate Indian breeds into the nation's security apparatus. This directive catalysed focused efforts to recognise, train, and deploy these dogs operationally.
The movement gained further public momentum during the Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on August 30, 2020, where he passionately encouraged citizens to adopt and support Indian breeds, seamlessly aligning the initiative with the broader “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) and “Vocal for Local” campaigns.
The Stars of the Show: Rampur and Mudhol Hounds
Heeding this call, the BSF inducted two premier indigenous breeds into its ranks:
The Rampur Hound: Hailing from Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, this breed was developed by the Nawabs for hunting jackals and even big game. It is renowned for its remarkable speed, endurance, and fearless nature.
The Mudhol Hound: Native to the Deccan plateau, this breed has a rich history of use in hunting and security, with links to the Maratha armies. It was preserved by King Malojirao Ghorpade of Mudhol and was often known as the “Caravan Hound” during the British era.
These breeds are prized for their high agility, incredible stamina, adaptability to India’s diverse terrain and climate, inherent disease resistance, and low maintenance needs—making them ideally suited for the rigours of border security.
Proving Their Mettle
The BSF has not only been actively training these breeds at its Tekanpur centre but has also initiated dedicated breeding programs, expanding the effort to its regional units. The results are tangible: over 150 Indian breeds are now actively deployed in strategic areas, from the western and eastern borders to anti-Naxal operations.
Their excellence was put on a national stage at the 2024 All India Police Duty Meet in Lucknow. In a historic moment, “Riya,” a Mudhol Hound, outperformed 116 dogs of foreign breeds to win both the ‘Best Tracker Dog’ and the coveted ‘Dog of the Meet’ awards. This victory was a resounding testament to the skill, discipline, and sheer excellence of India’s native canines.
The inclusion and celebration of these indigenous breeds in the BSF is more than a tactical decision; it is a profound statement. It demonstrates India’s commitment to honouring its heritage while forging a self-reliant future. As these proud Indian dogs prepare to march at the fore of the National Unity Day parade, they stand not just as guardians of the border, but as powerful symbols of a confident and capable nation.
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