52 Ladakh Scouts recruits take part in passing out parade

In an impressive Passing out Parade held at the highest located drill square recently, as many as 52 smartly dressed Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC) recruits were passed out. The young soldiers often referred to as NUNOs was stirred by the clap of palms on rifles, precise drill movements and the ankles digging into the parade ground as they began their lifetime journey as soldiers.

The ceremony was reviewed by LSRC Commandant Colonel Narinderjit Singh, was attended by civil and service dignitaries and parents of recruits. The young NUNOs, hailing from all regions of Ladakh, took oath in unison to serve for the supreme cause of the nation.

Colonel Narinderjit Singh congratulated the young soldiers for the march past and urged them to devote their life in service to the Nation. On behalf of the Indian Army, Colonel Singh extended his gratitude to the parents for sending their wards to serve the nation and assured them that the army will take best care of them.

He appreciated the brave local NUNOs known for their toughness and strong physical capabilities to serve even in extreme climatic conditions.

Making a mention about of LSRC achievements in such a short time, Colonel Singh said that such achievements exhibit the brave and patriotic feeling of the soldiers and young NUNOs should take pride about being a part of the Indian Army. He also revealed that the army is getting well equipped with sophisticated weapons.

"Remember weapons will help only those who are masters of how to use it during war," said the commandant.

The young soldiers are now ready to join their respective battalions in the Ladakh Scouts Regiment. The young riflemen were awarded different prizes for their outstanding performance during training.

'Gaurav Padak' was also presented to the parents of the young soldiers witnessing the Passing out Parade. It was indeed a proud moment for the kith and kin of these recruits who had come from far flung areas to witness the eventful ceremony in which their wards participated.

Recruit Tsering Motup of Alfa Company was conferred with the best recruit award of the 51st training batch, followed by recruit Stanzin Chospel of Bravo Company as second best recruit, while Instructor Hav Zakir Hussain was judged as best instructor.

It is pertinent to mention here that Ladakh Scouts came into being on June 1, 1963 when the 7th Jammu and Kashmir Militia and the 14th Jammu and Kashmir Militia were combined to form the Ladakh Scouts Force.

LSRC is the youngest regiment of Indian Army and came under its banner in year 2000 when the then Chief of the Army Staff General V.P. Malik gave it the recognition as a regular infantry of the Indian Army. These young recruits, after 42 weeks of rigorous and intensive training in weapons, field engineering, map reading, navigation, rock climbing, drill, physical training, camp training and Hindi training, are now ready to serve the Indian Army.

On the occasion, the parents, relatives and well wishers of recruits greeted each other and chanted "KiKi SoSO Largyalo" and prayed to the almighty to allow truth to prevail.