A Malaysian Prince and India's Republic Day

Two years back a Malaysian Prince after passing out of the Indian Military Academy was commissioned into the Indian Army’s 61st Calvary and on the 26th of January this year he will lead the mounted column of the Jaipur-based 61st Cavalry in the Republic day parade.

Captain Tunku, who is the crown prince of Johor, one of the southernmost states in Peninsular Malaysia, today interacting with the media, said that the Indian Government had cleared him for commanding the contingent, "I am very happy to be part of the 61st Cavalry contingent. My father will also be here to see me." Sultan Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin ibni Al Marhum, the king of Johor, is also expected to be witness to the spectacle. Prince Tunku, a polo player was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 2004 for a two-year attachment with the 61st Cavalry. His attachment has been extended for one more year. The Jaipur based 61st Cavalry will participate in the 58th Republic Day parade along with eight marching contingents and one contingent of the Special Forces Para Commandos on-the-double. The parade commander, Major General P C Bharadwaj, said that it was a matter of pride to have the Malaysian prince to command the mounted contingent as he is part of the Indian Army.[DailyIndia.com]