Srinagar: As many as 259 youth from different parts of restive Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday pledged to “invigorate the nation with every drop of our blood” after formally joining the Army, the officials said.

The latest batch of its passing out young soldiers was showcased by the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) at its regimental centre in Srinagar’s Rangreth area. The recruits were attested on the completion of “strenuous training” spread over one year, said defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia.

The passing out parade, depicting graduation of a recruit and his transformation into a young soldier, was reviewed by General Officer Commanding 9 Infantry Division Major General M.K. Das and Colonel of the Regiment and was attended by over 1000 parents and relatives of young soldiers, the spokesman said.

“The dauntless young soldiers of the regiment hailing from all regions and religions of the State of J&K, marching in precise unison with a singular aim of devoting their lives in service of their nation, singing their Regimental Song ‘Balidanam Veer Lakshnam’, inspired one and all as their voice echoed in the Kashmir Valley,” the spokesman said. He added, “Their salute to the tricolour with national anthem playing inspired patriotic ardour in all present.”

Maj. Gen. Das congratulated the young soldiers for their “immaculate” parade and urged them to get ready for selfless service towards the nation.

He praised their contribution towards encouraging more and more youth from J&K to come forward to join the security forces and also highlighted the vital role played by their parents in motivating their wards to join this noble profession, a statement issued by the Army here said.

The statement added that the young soldiers who distinguished themselves in varied facets of training were also felicitated by Maj. Gen. Das.  Recruit Yudhvir Singh received the Sher-e-Kashmir Sword of Honour & Triveni Singh Medal for being adjudged ‘Over all Best Recruit’ and recruit Waseem Ahmad Naik bagged the Chewang Rinchen Medal for being ‘Best in Firing’.

“In the end, proud parents and relatives pipped the soldiers ready to join their battalions and to tread the immortal path of glory, living up to the best traditions of the Army. As a mark of respect, gratitude and recognition of contribution made by the parents of these young soldiers, they were also presented with the Gaurav Padaks instituted by the Army.” The statement said.