Srinagar, 04 Dec 2025:   Amidst the silvery hush of a frost kissed morning in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, the parade ground of the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre at Srinagar shimmered with military precision and patriotic fervour. The majestic Zabarwan Range stood sentinel in the distance, its peaks veiled in winter mist, as the sixth batch of 710 Agniveers -all proud sons of Jammu and Kashmir’s resilient soil – took their consecrated march into the immortal traditions of the Indian Army.

Presiding over this solemn yet triumphant Passing Out Parade was the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir (UT), Mr. Omar Abdullah, whose presence lent the occasion a profound gravitas. With an eye honed by experience and a heart stirred by pride, he reviewed the parade’s immaculate formations as the resonant cadence of martial bands filled the crisp valley air.

Adding to the lustre of the ceremony was a constellation of distinguished guests – General Officer Commanding Chinar Corps along with senior officers from the Army, Air Force, Police and Civil Administration. The stands brimmed with pride as parents watched their sons, eyes moist yet radiant with honour, cross the sacred threshold from aspiring trainees to vigilant sentinels of the Nation.

This parade was far more than a ceremonial spectacle. It was a clarion declaration-a resounding testament to India’s unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. Following the recent terrorist related tragic attacks, the parade emerged as a defiant symbol of national resilience and unity. This batch was barely a week into training when Operation Sindoor commenced. The consequent drills adopted during high intensity period of the operation acted as battle inoculation for these newly inducted trainees and instilled an unshakeable resolve amongst these young men. Today’s event stood as a living embodiment of sacrifice, fortitude and patriotic purpose.

Addressing the passing out Agniveers, the Chief Minister’s words carried both warmth and weight, “Your commitment is not merely to the uniform you wear, but to the very idea of India itself. You are Jammu and Kashmir’s finest sons-now transformed into the Nation’s mightiest shields.”  His sentiments resonated deeply across the parade ground, mingling with the valley winds. Extending generous praise to the instructors, he commended the exemplary training standards that shaped this batch into paragons of discipline and courage. 

 In a touching gesture, the dignitaries gracing the parade collectively presented the proud parents with ‘Gaurav Padak’, honouring their unspoken sacrifice and the gift of their sons to the service of the Nation.

As the final salute reverberated through the frosty air and the Tricolour soared proudly against the azure sky, the message was unmistakable – the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are not merely stepping into the future; they are charging forward, shoulder to shoulder and the Nation beating strong in their hearts.