120 youths in J-K inducted into Indian army

As many as 120 youths hailing from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir were today inducted as soldiers in the army after successfully completing a 42-week training course here.
"The majestic Bana Singh Parade Ground at the J-K Light Infantry Regimental Centre (at Rangreth on the outskirts of Srinagar), showcased its latest batch of 120 passing-out recruits from J-K.
"Marching in precise unison with a singular aim of devoting themselves to the nation's cause, singing their Regimental Song 'Balidanam Veer Lakshnam', the young soldiers inspired one and all as their voice echoed in the Valley," Public Relations Officer (Defence), Col NN Joshi, said.

The passing out parade was reviewed by a decorated veteran, Col (retd) Virendra Kumar, Vir Chakra, and was attended by over 1,000 parents and relations of the young soldiers from across the state along with a number of civil and military dignitaries, Joshi said.
The 'Oath Ceremony' reflected the indomitable spirit of the young soldiers, he said, adding that "their ceremonial ardour and salute to the tricolour... Inspired patriotic vigour in all present".
Kumar, in his address, congratulated the young soldiers for their immaculate parade and spoke of rendering selfless service to the nation.
He praised their contribution towards encouraging more and more youth from J-K to come forward to join the Indian security forces and also underlined the vital role played by parents in motivating their wards for the same.

As a mark of respect and recognition of the contribution made by the parents of these young soldiers, they were presented with 'Gaurav Padaks' instituted by the army, the PRO said.