Bathinda (Punjab), Dec 22: Colourful celebrations marked the 150th raising day of the Central India Horse (CIH) regiment of the Indian army in Bathinda recently.

"To be in a regiment with history like this, 150 years of glorious history, one feels very proud. The pride is deep in the heart. I am very proud they selected me, " said Lt. General Pradeep Khanna, General Officer Commanding, 21 Corps.

Some of the old soldiers had also attended the celebrations.

"We are very proud to be here. We are so grateful to everybody for their kindness they have shown us," said Edward Young, a former soldier from England.

Retired personnel of the regiment had also attended the celebrations.

The regiment was founded as an irregular cavalry regiment in 1857, at the outset of the rebellion of 1857.

Led by Henry Otway Mayne, the regiment was known initially as Mayne's Horse.

The regiment had fought in the second Afghan war in 1879-80 and also both the World Wars.

The regiment has earned two theatre honours, 18 battle honours, 74 gallantry awards and 213 distinguished service awards. (ANI)