Childhood dream to serve nation in uniform, says 'Lieutenant' Anurag Thakur

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Himachal Pradesh and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur was earlier today commissioned into the Territorial Army as a Lieutenant by the Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir S. Suhag.

Taking a pledge to serve the nation, he said that when the time arises, he should not be only speaking but he should be ready in his uniform to serve the brave Jawans.

"I think it is a great moment for me and for my entire family. I come from Vir Bhoomi Himachal Pradesh, my grandfather was in Army, and my father raised the issue of OROP. I have always desired and dreamed to become a part of the Indian Army. Today my dream is fulfilled and I feel honoured to be here. And I feel I am more committed towards the country and the Indian Army," Lt. Thakur told ANI here.

Lt. Thakur became the first serving BJP Member of the Parliament to join the military force.

The Territorial Army is the second line of defence after the Indian Army.

It is composed of volunteers who receive military training for about a month in a year so that in case of an emergency they can be mobilised for the defence of the country.