New Delhi, 21 October 2015. During the nascent years of its raising, the Force was tasked to assist Mukti Bahini during Liberation War of Bangladesh. It is on record that the BSF had been mobilized in March 1971 itself, well before the breaking out of actual war, during the freedom struggle of Bangladesh.
These 50 years have been a Glorious Saga of valour, sacrifices and dedication where BSF has stood up to every challenge and emerged triumphant. BSF has played a pivotal role and contributed immensely to all facets of National Security right from its inception. The force has also played a significant role in smothering the menace of militancy/ insurgency and succeeded in restoring peace in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and North-Eastern States for which the Seema Paharies have earned many accolades and decorations.
Besides guarding the International Border, BSF has shouldered various responsibilities such as election duties, aid to civil authorities during natural calamities, law & order duties with great devotion and dedication. During this Golden Journey of fifty years, 1551 BSF personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty which speaks for itself about the commitment to national security, patriotism and high order of professionalism.
The supreme sacrifice of the Borderman has been duly recognized by the Govt. of India by awarding 1 Mahavir Chakra, 11 Veer Chakra, 4 Kirti Chakra, 12 Shourya Chakra, 231 President Police Medal for Gallantry and 870 Police Medal for Gallantry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at DsGP/ IsGP Conference at Guwahati, urged the gathering to honour the valor of the Martyrs. Executing the orders, BSF has marked the occasion of the Police Commemoration Day with organization of functions 61 felicitations all over the country. The main function was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Home Minister was the Chief Guest the occasion.
D K Pathak, IPS, Director General BSF, Senior Officers from MHA, Directors General and Senior Officers of other Central Armed Police Force (CAPFs), BSF Officers and men, family members of the martyrs and families of the force members were present also on the occasion.
During this function, BSF ‘Golden Jubilee Coffee Table Book’ was unveiled and ‘Commemorative Postage Stamp’ was also released by the Home Minister. A short documentary on Operational profile of BSF too was screened on the occasion.
To pay tribute to BSF Martyrs in this Golden Jubilee year, BSF has also compiled stories of valour and supreme sacrifice of BSF personnel in the form of a book, titled, “BSF MARTYRS – A LEGACY OF PRIDE AND VALOUR”.
BSF was raised on 1st Dec 1965, with a humble beginning of 25 Bns of Armed Police of Bordering States, today, it has emerged to be the world’s largest Border Guarding Force. BSF proudly guards 6623 kms stretch of Border of India with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The 50 Glorious Years of Service to the Nation by the Praharies has also been recognized by Department of Post, implementing the instructions of Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Minister of Communication & IT, Government of India, by releasing BSF Golden Jubilee Commemorative Postage Stamp during this function.
It is for the first time in the history of BSF that a Commemorative Postage Stamp was released to acknowledging the Border Guarding efforts on the Eastern and Western Borders of the organization. The Postage Stamp will go a long way in showcasing the image of the Force and will always encourage the committed Bordermen to perform their duties with greater zeal and enthusiasm.
During this Golden Jubilee year, BSF has contemplated to depict its Glorious journey of five decades in a pictorial form in the shape of a Coffee Table Book. This Coffee Table Book was released by Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh during the ceremony which was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today.
This Coffee Table Book depicts the prelude to Raising of the Force, Embodiment by amalgamating various State Armed Border Police Forces, Role of BSF in Bangladesh Liberation War, contribution of the Force in containing Militancy in various States, BSF, a Tribute to Founding Father of the Force – Shri K F Rustamji, spread of the Force in hinterland, our Neighbours and Friends, the Broken and Restored links, Beyond and Besides the Borders.
