Nearly 500 recruits were today inducted as soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) of the army at a passing out parade held at the Regimental Centre here.
The rigorously trained 494 recruits, hailing from all parts of the state, took the oath to serve the cause of the nation at the ceremony held at JAKLI headquarters here.
The recruits ushered into the life of soldiering, have been rigorously trained for 49-weeks in various activities including tactics, firing, physical fitness and mental robustness, an army spokesman said.
Rifleman Parveen Singh was adjudged overall best recruit and was presented the Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Abdullah sword of honour and the Triveni Singh Medal.
"I wanted to serve my country and that dream has come true today. Training at my regimental centre has given me enough confidence and strength to serve my nation with pride and honour," Singh said.
JAKLI was raised out of volunteers, who rallied to the call of Abdullah and other local leaders to thwart the attack of tribals in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947-48.
Rifleman Mohammad Shafi Khan won the Maqbool Sherwani Medal for best recruit in Physical training, while Rifleman Anil Kumar, the parade commander, was adjudged the best recruit in drill and was awarded Bana Singh Medal.
The JAKLI is the youngest and yet one of the most decorated regiments in the Army. The achievements include one Param vir Chakra, two Ashok Chakras, one Padma Bhushan and a host of other gallantry awards to its credit.
General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 corps Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, who was the reviewing officer at the parade, congratulated the young soldiers for the immaculate parade and urged them to devote their life in service of the nation.
Later, proud parents and relatives carried out the pipping ceremony of the soldiers.
