Badlu Ram and Assam Regiment

What does Badlu Ram, who is dead and buried cold from World War II, got to do with 295 recruits of 315 batch of the Assam Regiment (AR)?

Nothing much, only that Badlu Ram’s body draws ration for the recruits of AR. So every year new recruits march and dance into the Indian Army, singing: “Badlu Ram ka Badan zameen ka neche hai, to humko uska ration milta hai…Shabash Hallelujah…!” (Badluram is buried, so we get his quota of ration, well done…)

The story is interesting behind the regiment’s song. It is said that one soldier, Badluram died in action during World War II from one of the AR’s platoons. 

However, the quarter master erred in striking out his name from the list and therefore ration was drawn in the name of the dead soldier and therefore there was surplus ration.

https://youtu.be/LQrS50Q6MLA

So when the supply route of this platoon was cut off by the Japanese, the extra ration of Badluram proved to be a lifesaver during this crucial period. The song therefore praises that legacy.

The song was composed by Late Major Proctor in 1946 and is a take on John Brown’s body which was popular marching song during the American Civil War.

Apart from the Badlu Ram song, the recruits also sang and danced other songs of the regiment, in this unique attestation parade, of one of the best fighting regiments of the Indian Army.

Each year this induction parade, held at the Parson Parade Ground of Assam Regimental Centre Happy Valley, is a treat to watch for the people of the State Capital. This year, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General, Subrata Saha reviewed the parade.

Lt. Gen. Saha during his address to the new recruits recounted the contributions of the North East and Assam Regiment towards nation building.

Raised on 15 June 1941, AR has earned several laurels including seven Battle Honours, three Theatre Honours, Nine Chief of Army Staff citations, 23 Army Commanders citations and two United Nations citations.

The regiment would be celebrating the platinum Jubilee year of the regiment from 16 to 19 November 2016 here in the State Capital.

“The Army Chief would be present during the platinum jubilee celebrations.   Colours will be presented to 16 and 17 Assam and 1 and 2 Arunachal scouts at the Assam Regimental Centre during the occasion,” Lt. Gen Saha informed.