Indian Territorial Army: Stories of valor and silent sacrifice of the “Citizen Army”

Every year on October 9, India celebrates Territorial Army Day. This day reminds us of the unique force founded in 1949 on the belief that national defense is not only the duty of full-time soldiers but also of ordinary citizens who, while pursuing their professions, can serve the motherland. Today, the Territorial Army (TA) stands as a powerful example of this idea, equally strong at the borders and at the forefront in times of crisis.

Breaking barriers: the inspiring journeys of Territorial Army trailblazers

The story of Bengaluru’s Sathish Kumar best embodies this spirit. At 37, when most believed their chance to serve the nation has passed, he broke that myth. Among 1.5 lakh candidates, he not only cleared the five-day SSB process but also overcame initial medical rejection, and in April 2021, was commissioned into the 118 Infantry Battalion (TA) Grenadiers. His journey proves that age cannot define the limits of dreams.

Equally inspiring are the achievements of women officers in the TA. Lt. Bhavya Narasimhamurthy, the first woman officer from South India, was the only female selected in the 2022 examination and was commissioned in May 2024 near the Indo-Pak LOC.

Lt. Deepti Rana made history as the first non-departmental woman officer after a three-year legal battle opened TA entry for women, finally being commissioned in November 2021.

Lt. Shilpy Gargmukh, a chemical engineer with ONGC, became the first woman officer of the TA in October 2016, inspired by her brothers and her fascination for the olive-green uniform.

When icons became soldiers

Some of India’s most iconic figures have been honored with ranks in the Territorial Army (TA), recognizing their exceptional contributions to the nation and their embodiment of patriotic spirit.

MS Dhoni, former captain of the Indian cricket team, was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment in 2011. More than a ceremonial honor, Dhoni also underwent training and joined the Victor Force for patrolling duties in Kashmir.

Kapil Dev, the legendary “Haryana Hurricane,” was inducted as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel with the Punjab Regiment in 2008.

Mohanlal, the acclaimed actor, was conferred the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Madras Regiment for his contribution through films portraying courage and patriotism.

Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, also received an honorary commission in the TA.

From Kashmir to Kargil: the Territorial Army’s battlefield journey

The TA’s history is equally remarkable. From the 1947-48 Kashmir War to the 1962, 1965, and 1971 conflicts, and even the 1999 Kargil War, TA battalions have proved that “part-time soldiers” can display full-time courage. They supported the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka and participated in counterinsurgency operations in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Northeast.

TA in floods, pandemics, and green missions

The TA has also excelled in disaster management and humanitarian aid. During the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, when massive devastation struck, TA troops joined the Army in Operation Surya Hope. Over 8,500 personnel and 20 aircraft were deployed, with TA playing a key role in evacuations, relief, and infrastructure repair.

Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, TA medical units worked tirelessly to establish quarantine centers, vaccination facilities, oxygen supply, mobile hospitals, and logistics support.

The TA’s contributions extend to environmental protection as well. The 128th Infantry Battalion (Ecological Task Force) in Jaisalmer set a world record by planting 519,310 saplings in just one hour, recognized by the World Book of Records. Till now, the TA has planted over 66.5 million trees across 66,000 hectares in Mussoorie, Pithoragarh, Shimla, Jaisalmer, Delhi, Assam, and Jammu & Kashmir.

In the 2018 Kerala floods, following a request for Army assistance on 9 August 2018, the Territorial Army joined the Indian Army’s Operation Sahyog to aid flood- hit regions. TA units carried out large-scale evacuations, built temporary bridges, and secured critical areas in Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kozhikode. Their timely action saved thousands of lives and highlighted their efficiency in coordinated disaster relief.

During the 2014 Kashmir floods among the worst in six decades, the Territorial Army including the 162nd Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (a TA unit) played a vital role in rescue and relief. n TA personnel identified safe evacuation routes, guided rescue forces, and secured vulnerable areas. Working alongside the Army, Air Force, BSF, and CRPF, they enabled timely evacuations and distributed relief in 80 villages, earning widespread praise for their invaluable contribution.

In Operation Rhino (September 1991 – January 1992), the Indian Army intensified counter-insurgency operations against ULFA in Assam, killing 42 militants and arresting 234, including 54 hard-core members. n The operation split ULFA into pro-talk and anti-talk factions, prompting mass surrenders. The Territorial Army supported through patrols, checkpoints, infrastructure security, and logistics, enabling the Army to focus on direct combat and sustain pressure on insurgents.

Defence Minister invokes Rule 33, authorizes TA active duty till 2028

In a landmark decision on May 6, 2025, the Ministry of Defence authorized the Chief of Army Staff to call up 14 TA battalions for active duty under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948. Approved under “Operation Sindoor,” these battalions will be deployed from February 10, 2025, to February 9, 2028, to support national defense amid rising tensions with Pakistan.

As we celebrate Territorial Army Day today, it is also a moment of reflection. Climate change, pandemics, cyber warfare, and natural disasters are the new challenges of our time. In such an era, the adaptability and dual identity of the TA both civilian and soldier stand as a guide for the nation.