| COLONELS OF THE REGIMENT | | | | | | | A key element of the regimental system is the institution of the Colonel of the Regiment. With roots going back to the 18th century when colonels owned and equipped their regiments, the Colonel of today is the head of the family and responsible for the protection of the best interests of the regiment. He is almost always an officer of General rank who at one time served in the regiment and admired and respected for his military experience.
The Colonel is kept informed of all happenings within the Regiment and, if so requested by one or more of the battalion commanders, will give advice on matters concerning the overall welfare of the regiment and its institutions. He makes regular visits to the battalions and the Regimental Centre. He is also responsible for selecting officers for the command of battalions, after they have been approved for promotion by the selection board.
The appointment ensures a continuing strand in the regiment's esprit de corps, and it provides a channel of communication (formal and informal) with other elements of the army and with higher command. In the Sikh Light Infantry, the Centre Commandant and battalion commanders elect the Colonel of the Regiment. The following have been the Colonels of the Sikh Light Infantry: - Lieutenant General RA Savory, KCIE, CB, DSO, MC
- Brigadier Gurkirpal Singh
- Lieutenant General PS Bhagat, PVSM, VC
- Lieutenant General AK Chatterjee, PVSM, VSM
- General VP Malik, PVSM, AVSM
- Major General Anil R Raikar, VSM
- Lieutenant General Ashok Kapur, PVSM, VSM
- Lieutenant General A.S Sekhon, PVSM, AVSM, YSM
The Regiment has had two Honorary Colonels thus far:
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