The Force Multiplier

December 14, 2019

A commemorative postage stamp on the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) :

Issued by India

Issued on Dec 14, 2019

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp, a First Day Cover and Information Brochure as a tribute to the yeoman service and supreme sacrifices made by the “silent warriors” and devoted trainers of the RVC.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Ms. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 600440

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About :

Remount Veterinary Corps has been carrying on the great traditions of dedication, valour and sacrifice written on Indian battlefields since ancient times through animals trained for effective use in war tactics as Force Multipliers.
Remount Veterinary Corps was raised in 1779 in Bengal, initially with the name “Stud Department”. It has witnessed many transformations over the years and was given the present name of the “Remount Veterinary Corps” in 1960 after Military Farms were separated from it as an independent Corps. The Corps is one of the oldest services of Indian Army and has a glorious past. It has distinguished itself by undertaking the arduous task of converting the strength of mute animals into a formidable force thus synchronizing the saga of Indian valour of yore with the finest tenets of modern day tactical warfare. The Corps Motto “PASHU SEVA ASMAKAM DHARMA” i.e. “SERVICE TO ANIMALS IS OUR DUTY” sums up the duties and role entrusted to it.
The Remount Veterinary Corps is extensively involved in provisioning, scientific breeding, rearing, providing specialized training of horses, mules and dogs and their issue to Indian Army as Force Multipliers. Army dogs are trained in mine detection, explosive detection, guard/attack, infantry patrol, search and rescue and avalanche rescue operations. The Corps provides complete vet cover to these army animals and is also actively engaged in conduct of several high tech applied research projects in the field of veterinary science. Central Mil Vet Lab (CMVL) at Meerut Cantt has the rare distinction of being the country’s only NABL accredited vet lab with ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Standards in the field of biological testing and advanced diagnostics.
The unique saga of dedication, valour and sacrifice of RVC trained equines and canines alongwith their trainers is reflected in multifarious force multiplying roles played by these mute warriors in aid of army and paramilitary forces during war and peacetime ops. They have rendered invaluable assistance to civilian authorities in times of natural disasters & calamities such as assistance during Bhuj earthquake (26 Jan 2001), Tsunami (26 Dec 2004), J&K earthquake (08 Oct 2005) and Leh cloudburst (06 Aug 2010). These “silent warriors” have established themselves as “force multipliers” and have always remained in the forefront for guarding the nation’s interests. The Corps has actively participated in both World Wars and post independence, it has been integrally involved in the J&K Operations (1947-48); NEFA Operations (1962) and Indo-Pak wars of 1965 & 1971. RVC Units were actively involved in IPKF operations in Sri Lanka and played a crucial role in “Op Vijay” during Kargil war of 1999 in meeting the emergent operational requirements of animal transport in far flung posts.
RVC Units have also been deeply involved in counter-insurgency ops in the ongoing Low Intensity Conflict Operations (LICO) in Northern and Eastern Command theatres. These RVC trained canines have proved their phenomenal capabilities in detecting explosives/IEDs, mines, tracking terrorists/saboteurs, guarding vital installations in hazardous climatic conditions and inhospitable terrain thus saving thousands of lives of soldiers/civilians and vital equipments.
RVC has played a unique role in development of equestrian sports in IA. The recent silver medal winning team in equestrian eventing comprised three riders trained at AEN, RVC C&C of which two riders were from RVC which speaks volumes of its contributions.
The Corps has also contributed significantly to India’s peace keeping efforts around the troubled parts of the Globe by being part of Indian Peace Keeping contingents under aegis of the United Nations. Presently the Corps is a part of three major UN Peace Keeping Missions viz. UNIFIL (Lebanon) and two missions in UNMISS (Sudan).
The plethora of awards and honours garnered by the Corps are testimony to its high standards and excellence. The honours and awards include 1 Shaurya Chakra, 7 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 3 Sena Medals (Distinguished), 1 Param Vishisht Sewa Medal, 11 Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), 5 Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), 15 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), 25 Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), 1 Arjuna Award, 273 COAS Commendation Card (Army Dogs), 21 UN Force Commander’s Commendation.
Text : Based on information received from the proponent.