Desi dogs take charge: After proving their mettle in anti-Naxal and border ops, Mudhol & Rampur hounds to wow PM on Ekta Diwas

Back in 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi challenged the long-standing reliance of India’s police and paramilitary forces on foreign dog breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, and Belgian Malinois. He suggested that equally agile and more resilient ‘desi’ dog breeds could serve as a homegrown, ‘atmanirbhar’ alternative for security operations.

Five years later, this vision is coming to life. During the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade on 31 October at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, the Prime Minister will witness an exclusive contingent of indigenous dog breeds, including Mudhol Hounds and Rampur Hounds, marching proudly alongside their handlers. These dogs, trained by the BSF, have already proven their mettle in anti-Naxal operations, narcotics detection, and border security duties.

Ekta Nagar and the 150th Birth Centenary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: A Grand Celebration of National Unity

Ekta Nagar, home to the world’s tallest statue, the 182-metre Iron Man statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will host this year’s Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations. The event coincides with Patel’s 150th birth centenary and promises a grand parade featuring Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), state police contingents, cavalry, camel units, and the much-anticipated dog squad.

Prime Minister Modi, as the guest of honour, will receive ceremonial salutes from five CRPF Shaurya Chakra awardees and 16 BSF personnel recently conferred gallantry medals for their bravery in Operation Sindoor.

Beyond Dogs: Cultural Shows, Air Displays, and a Display of India’s ‘Unity in Diversity’

The celebrations will not be limited to military displays. Attendees can also expect:

• Cultural performances by NCC cadets and school bands
• Air shows and motorcycle stunt performances
• Tableaux from different states highlighting ‘Unity in Diversity’
• The Guard of Honour will be led by a female officer, while women personnel from CISF and CRPF will demonstrate their martial arts and unarmed combat skills, symbolising the growing role of women in India’s armed forces.

Desi Dogs Leading the Way: Mudhol and Rampur Hounds Demonstrate Exceptional Skills

The desi dog contingent will be led by Riya, a female Mudhol Hound who won the ‘Best Dog’ title at the 2024 All India Police Duty Meet in Lucknow, surpassing 116 foreign breed competitors. The indigenous breeds, including Rampur Hound and Mudhol Hound, will showcase impressive capabilities, such as scaling 18-foot walls and intercepting intruders, highlighting their versatility in security operations.

How BSF Developed a Generational Breeding Programme for Indigenous Breeds

BSF commandant (veterinary medicine) Sandeep Gupta shared that the initiative was inspired by PM Modi’s ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme. Research revealed that desi breeds are better adapted to Indian climates, resilient, and highly agile.

“We began by studying the parent generation of breeds like Mudhol and Rampur Hounds. The second generation was introduced to socialisation and foundational training, and by the third generation, methodical training commenced,” Gupta explained.

BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary added that the force has trained 150 indigenous dogs so far, deploying them across the country, from the Thar Desert to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

Why Indigenous Breeds Are Becoming the Future of India’s Security Operations

The successful induction of desi dog breeds into CAPFs and police forces signals a shift towards self-reliance and operational efficiency. With their ability to withstand India’s extreme weather, adapt to diverse terrains, and perform complex security tasks, these dogs are poised to become force multipliers in India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its security apparatus.

Inputs from TOI