Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Aug 31: In contrary to the negative picture of Kashmir being portrayed by Pakistan and a section of world media, youth from Valley and other parts of the State are continuing their march of devoting lives in service of the nation.
Saluting to the tricolour , as many as 575 youths from Jammu and Kashmir today formally transformed them into young soldiers of Indian Army after completing a year-long rigorous training as Passing Out Parade of latest batch of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre (JAKLIRC) was held at Bana Singh Parade Ground in Srinagar.
The Passing Out Parade, depicting graduation of a recruit and his transformation into a young soldier, was reviewed by Adjutant General Lt Gen Ashwani Kumar, and was attended by parents and relatives of young soldiers from Jammu and Kashmir besides number of civil and military officers.
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The dauntless young soldiers, hailing from all regions and religions of J&K, marching in precise unison with a singular aim of devoting their lives in service of the nation, singing their regimental song ‘Balidanam Veer Lakshnam’, inspired one and all as their voice echoed in the Kashmir valley, which has been facing onslaught of Pakistan sponsored terror laced separatism.
Their salute to the tricolour with national anthem playing inspired patriotic fervour amongst all present during the Parade. The proud parents and relatives pipped the soldiers ready to join their battalions and to tread the immortal path of glory, living up to the best traditions of the Indian Army.
Expressing his delight on the moment, new recruit Wasim Ahmad Mir of Srinagar said that he was very happy on joining Army. “I am very happy, my parents are feeling proud. We get to learn a lot in the Army, both physically and mentally. My father was in Army too, his uniform inspired me to join the forces,” he said.
Lt Gen Ashwani Kumar congratulated the young soldiers and impressed upon selfless service towards the nation. He praised their contribution towards encouraging more and more youth to come forward to join the security forces and also highlighted the vital role played by their parents in motivating their wards to join this noble profession.
On the occasion, the young soldiers who excelled themselves in varied facets of training were also felicitated by the General officer. Recruit Sawan Kumar received the Sher-e-Kashmir Sword of Honour and Triveni Singh Medal on being adjudged ‘Over all Best Recruit’ while Recruit Pankaj Kumar bagged the Chewang Rinchen Medal for being ‘Best in Firing’.
As a mark of respect, gratitude and recognition of contribution made by the parents of these young soldiers, they were also presented with the ‘Gaurav Padaks’ instituted by the Army.
Meanwhile, a fascinating attestation parade was also held at the Ladakh Scouts Centre in Leh to mark the entry of 207 recruits into the regiment. The impressive ceremony, conducted in consonance with the highest traditions of the Indian Army, was reviewed by General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps, Lieutenant General Y K Joshi. The young soldiers, hailing from all regions of Ladakh, took an oath in unison to serve the nation.
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