Page 38 - Mann Ki Baat - English

Since ancient times, dogs have held a
place of honour in India’s history, culture,
and mythology. Indigenous Indian breeds
have long been celebrated for their courage,
loyalty, and strength. Their presence in royal
courts and on battlefields combined with
social bonds among rural folks and their
semi-domesticated local dogs reflect the
deep bond between humans and dogs that
runs through India’s martial and cultural
heritage.
A new chapter in this proud legacy began
in August 2020, when during his ‘Mann ki
Baat’, our Hon’ble Prime Minister urged the
nation, including security forces, to adopt and
promote Indian breeds, aligning with the spirit
Dr. Shamsher Singh, IPS of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’.
ADG/Director, BSF Academy, This call inspired a nationwide movement
Gwalior rooted in self-reliance, national pride, and
indigenous revival.
In line with this national vision, the
National Training Centre for Dogs, BSF
Academy, Gwalior geared up and initiated
INDIAN efforts to utilise, hitherto overlooked, Indian
K9s for operational utilization.
BREEDS, The Journey
The journey began with research on
LEGENDARY shortlisting the suitable Indian breeds. Though
many native breeds had history of association
DEEDS with military missions, BSF shortlisted two
breeds — the Rampur Hound and the Mudhol
Hound — one being from northern plains and
BSF leads India’s well adapted to border conditions of western
and eastern theatres and other from Deccan
indigenous K9 plateau being robust and sturdy. Both the
Revolution breeds have shown remarkable adaptability
to India’s climatic conditions and terrain
diversity, as well as high stamina and
endurance in long operations, proving their
suitability for border and field tasks. These
breeds are known for speed, courage, agility,
alertness, loyalty and sharp instincts — traits

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