Army Appeals Punjab Youth To Join Sikh Regiment Amid Dwindling Numbers: True Strength In State’s Youngsters

It is the young and spirited Punjab that give the Sikh Regiment its true strength, saying so the Indian Army has made a heartfelt call to the younsters of Punjab to join the regiment, highlighting the unit’s outstanding record of honours and awards. The army made the appeal in view of the shrinking manpower.

“The true strength of the Regiment lies in the youth of Punjab, who proudly carry forward the warrior traditions passed down through generations. Despite certain manpower-related challenges, the Sikh Regiment continues to demonstrate high standards of performance and consistently meets the Indian Army’s elevated expectations,” said a defence spokesperson on Tuesday (January 21, 2026).

Shrinking numbers in Sikh Regiment

Last year in April, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann too had also drawn attention to the falling numbers of Punjabi youth joining the Sikh Regiment. According to an old report by The Indian Express, Punjab CM said the issue was discussed when the GOC-in-C of Western Command met him and shared these concerns.

Mann had then attributed the shortfall to migration as well as the growing problem of drug addiction among young people.

Senior Army officials have earlier flagged concerns over declining recruitment of Sikh youth, a trend that has led to shortages of manpower in several battalions of the regiment.  Widely regarded as one of the most decorated units of the Indian Army, and historically among the finest in the Commonwealth, the Sikh Regiment boasts of a legacy of bravery and sacrifice stretching back to the 19th century.

‘One of the most distinguished regiments’

In its statement issued, the Army urged Punjab’s youth to join the Sikh Regiment and bring pride to their families. “Serving in such a renowned and prestigious regiment is a matter of great honour and privilege,” it said, describing the regiment as among the most distinguished and elite in the Indian Army.

Interestingly, earlier this month, 7 battalions of the Sikh Regiment were recognised for their service. Two battalions received the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Unit Citation, one was awarded the COAS Unit Appreciation, and four battalions were honoured with the Army Commander’s Unit Appreciation.

The Army noted that receiving such a large number of honours simultaneously is rare and highly prestigious. The previous instance of comparable recognition occurred in January 2015, when six battalions of the regiment were honoured for exemplary service. These achievements, it said, further cement the Sikh Regiment’s legacy of valour and professional excellence.

Sikh Regiment ethos: Rooted deep in Sikh history

The Army highlighted that the regiment’s warrior ethos was first established by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, and later reinforced and immortalised by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The enduring values of courage, discipline and sacrifice, it added, continue to inspire generations of Sikh soldiers.

The statement further noted that many soldiers of the Sikh Regiment, through dedication and service, have risen to senior positions as Junior Commissioned Officers and Commissioned Officers, setting high benchmarks of leadership, discipline and commitment.

“Through their service, they have also secured a stable and prosperous future for their families. The Indian Army offers wide-ranging opportunities in technology, sports and other fields. The warrior spirit that runs deep in Punjabi veins finds its finest expression through service in the Indian Army,” the statement underlined.

Pride of Sikh Regiment

With 38 Theatre Honours, 75 Battle Honours, and more than 1,650 gallantry awards, the Sikh Regiment stands among the most decorated formations in the Indian Army and Commonwealth. From the two World Wars through the 1947‑48, 1965, and 1971 India‑Pakistan wars, the 1962 Sino‑Indian War, and the 1999 Kargil conflict, the regiment has remained at the forefront of operational excellence.