Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 18: 300 youth hailing from various parts of Jammu and Kashmir were today inducted as soldiers in the Army after completing one-year strenous training.
The new recruits of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment took the oath to serve the cause of the nation at the ceremony held at the Bana Singh Parade Ground at Rangreth, nine kms from here.
The youth of J&K being inducted in the Army comes at a time when the State has been making headlines for incidents of stone-pelting by some youth in the Valley.
The highlight of the function was the sons of the soil and their families lighting candles as a mark of solidarity with the people of Kashmir and praying for return of calm and peace to the Valley at the earliest, an Army spokesman said.
The passing out parade, depicting graduation of a recruit and his transformation into a young soldier, was overseen by Governor N N Vohra and Usha Vohra, First Lady and was attended by over 1500 parents and other relatives of the young soldiers along with a number of civil and military dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor congratulated the newly inducted recruits and their families on becoming part of the Indian Army. He lauded the efforts of Corps Commander 15 Corps, Lt. Gen. S.K. Dua, Colonel of the JAKLI Regiment, and Brigadier S.G. Chavan, Commandant, JAKLI, in imparting high quality training to the recruits.
He congratulated Recruit Rishu Sambyal for being awarded with Sword of Honour in recognition of his excellent performance during the entire training programme.
Saluting the patriotism of the J&K people, the Governor observed that the people of the State have always exhibited exemplary courage in face of all the odds, from driving away the Kabailis in 1947 and in providing very strong support to the security forces in fighting all subsequent wars. He observed that since the inception of JAKLI Regiment, its history is full of examples of valour and sacrifices and he is hopeful that all the newly inducted soldiers will maintain its rich traditions.
He said that this day marks recruits initiation into the service of the nation and with the quality of training they have got he is confident that they will give their best to make their Regiment, country and families proud of them.
Taking pride in the secular traditions of the Regiment, the Governor said that he is honoured to be part of this Attestation Parade and observed that its soldiers will uphold all its sanctified traditions while performing their duties.
Earlier on his arrival, the Governor reviewed the Parade and took salute from the Marching Columns. The programme also included a wonderful band display and, later, the ceremony to pipp the new recruits.
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