Emotional scenes at JAKLI as parents watch sons become soldiers
Abid Bashir
Srinagar, May 30: There were tears, smiles and thunderous applause at the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) Regimental Centre on Saturday as 540 Agniveers of the seventh batch successfully passed out after completing their training, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives as soldiers of the Indian Army.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Kashmir Valley, the Attestation and Passing Out Parade was more than a military ceremony. It was a deeply emotional occasion for hundreds of families, many of whom had travelled from different districts of Kashmir to witness their sons don the olive green uniform and take the oath to serve the nation.
Notably, a majority of the newly attested Agniveers belong to various districts of Kashmir, reflecting the Valley’s growing participation in the armed forces and the aspirations of its youth to serve the country with pride and honour.
The parade showcased military precision, discipline and determination as the young soldiers marched in perfect synchronisation, displaying the skills and confidence acquired during months of rigorous physical training, tactical instruction and character-building exercises.
Reviewing the parade, the General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps, complimented the Agniveers on their immaculate turnout, synchronised drill and high standards of military bearing. He urged the young soldiers to uphold the finest traditions of the Indian Army and remain steadfast in the service of the nation.
He praised the Agniveers for the resilience, dedication and commitment they displayed throughout their demanding training journey and commended the instructors and training staff for shaping them into disciplined and combat-ready soldiers.
Yet, beyond the ceremonial grandeur, it was the emotions of parents that defined the day.
As the young Agniveers marched past the saluting dais with heads held high, many mothers wiped tears from their eyes while fathers watched silently, overwhelmed with pride.
Among them was Ghulam Mohammad from Kupwara, whose son was among the passing-out Agniveers.
“When he left home for training, he was just a young boy. Today, when I saw him marching in uniform, I felt as though he had become a completely different person. My eyes filled with tears. This is the proudest day of my life,” he said.
A mother from Anantnag struggled to contain her emotions as she watched her son take the oath of allegiance.
“I prayed for him every day. Today, seeing him in uniform and serving the country is a blessing. Every sacrifice we made as parents feels worthwhile,” she said, clutching a photograph of her son.
Another father from Baramulla described the moment as one that every parent dreams of.
“We always wanted our son to achieve something meaningful. Today he has earned respect, responsibility and a chance to serve the nation. There can be no greater honour for a family,” he said.
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony came when dignitaries presented the Gaurav Padak to the parents of the Agniveers, acknowledging their silent sacrifices and their contribution to the service of the nation.
The gesture received a standing ovation from the gathering and left many parents visibly emotional.
The solemn attestation ceremony symbolised the Agniveers’ unwavering commitment to duty, courage and selfless service. The atmosphere turned intensely patriotic as the young soldiers collectively took the oath of allegiance, pledging their loyalty to the nation.
As the Tricolour fluttered proudly above the parade ground and the final salute echoed through the valley, the ceremony reached an emotional crescendo. Families stood on their feet, applauding the young soldiers who only months ago had arrived as recruits and were now leaving as trained members of one of the country’s most respected institutions.
For the 540 Agniveers, the parade marked the successful completion of training. For their parents, it was a day of immense pride, emotion and fulfilment. And for Kashmir, it was yet another reminder that many of its young men continue to choose the path of service, sacrifice and nation-building. As the newly attested soldiers marched out of the parade ground, they carried with them not only their dreams but also the hopes of their families and the trust of a nation they are now sworn to protect.