Ghulam Hassan Khanday from north Kashmir's Pattan area could not control his emotions after seeing his son in Army uniform successfully pass out from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Srinagar, during the Passing Out Parade.
"It is really a matter of pride for us, as our son has joined the Army to serve the nation," he said
Echoing similar sentiments, Abdul Rashid from Tangdhar said that his family has been serving in the Indian Army for decades.
"My grandfather served in the Indian Army, and now my son has donned the Army uniform to serve the country," he said.
Bashir Ahmed Sheikh from south Kashmir's Kulgam district said that his son has joined the Army to serve the nation.
Giving a befitting reply to anti-national forces, nearly 500 Kashmiri youth donned the olive green uniform to serve Mother India as Agniveers in the Indian Army.
Of the 540 Agniveers who successfully passed out from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Srinagar, nearly 500 are from the Kashmir Valley.
Emotional scenes were witnessed during the Passing Out Parade as Agniveer family members struggled to contain their joy and emotions.
According to Jammu-based defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwa, in a splendid display of military precision, discipline and patriotism, 540 Agniveers of the seventh batch successfully passed out from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre during an impressive Attestation and Passing Out Parade held in Srinagar.
"Set against the majestic backdrop of the Kashmir Valley, the parade marked the transformation of young recruits into proud soldiers, ready to serve the nation with honour, courage and dedication", he said.
The parade was reviewed by Lt Gen P.K. Mishra, General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, who complimented the Agniveers on their immaculate turnout, synchronised drill movements and exemplary standards of military bearing. The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, civil dignitaries and proud family members, whose presence added warmth and significance to the occasion.
Months of rigorous physical training, tactical instruction and character-building culminated in the solemn attestation ceremony, symbolising the Agniveers' unwavering commitment to the ideals of duty, courage and selfless service. The passing-out parade reflected the professional excellence, discipline and rich military traditions upheld by the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre.
Addressing the newly attested soldiers, Lt Gen Mishra exhorted them to uphold the finest traditions and values of the Indian Army and remain steadfast in the service of the nation. He commended the Agniveers for the determination, resilience and sense of purpose they displayed throughout their demanding training. He also praised the training staff and instructors for their tireless efforts in moulding the young recruits into disciplined and combat-ready soldiers.
The parade reached an emotional crescendo as the young soldiers took the Oath of Allegiance and marched past with confidence and pride. As the national flag fluttered high above the parade ground and the final salute echoed across the venue, the ceremony stood as a powerful reaffirmation of patriotism and the enduring commitment of India's youth to the unity, integrity and security of the nation.
The successful completion of training by the seventh batch of Agniveers marks another significant milestone in the Indian Army's efforts to nurture a new generation of motivated, disciplined and technologically adept soldiers. Their induction into the ranks strengthens the army's operational capabilities and reinforces its commitment to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
