First batch of 93 Agniveers complete attestation in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: On the occasion of the attestation parade of the first batch of Agniveers on Saturday, the Central Parade Ground of 1 EME Centre, Secunderabad, donned a stunning look with traditional military gear. Brigadier G Suresh, Commandant 1 EME Centre, oversaw the attestation parade, and 93 Agniveers were attested.

“In 24 weeks, we have transformed these boys into soldiers. I am sure they will bring pride to the nation just as they have brought to me with their resilience and hard work,” said Brigadier Suresh.

The happy parents of Agniveers were honoured with Gaurav Padaks in accordance with Indian Army tradition as a show of respect and dedication to nation-building.

It is a matter of honour and pride for the parents who stood up and send their children to the Indian Army to serve the nation, fully knowing the terms and circumstances of the service in which a soldier is a duty obliged to make the ultimate sacrifice when called upon.

“It is a dream come true to see my brother wearing the uniform and marching for the country. To be honoured by the military is a humbling experience. I am touched by the respect given to soldiers’ families for letting go of their family to the nation, as that act is a fight in itself,” said Jhalak, the sister of an Agniveer.

The basic military training of the Corps of EME’s first batch of Agniveers for the year 2022-23 began on January 1, 2023, at 1 EME Centre and ended on March 10, 2023, after which the Agniveers began their advanced military training at four different corps of EME tech training establishments, 1 EME Centre premier technical training institute for Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks being one of the technical training establishments.

Many training facilities were upgraded in the centre, and various best practices were showcased for other regimental centres. For the initial class of Agniveers, the centre provided instruction in small arms, armed fighting vehicles, welding, and AC mechanics professions. The Agniveers were certified on June 17, 2023, after completing 14 weeks of advanced military training.

“I am from Assam and it has been my childhood dream to serve the nation. Today is a proud moment not only for me but for my family as well,” said Agniveer Yogesh.

Attestation is a ritual in which Agniveers take an oath of loyalty by touching the National Flag, regimental colours, and religious holy texts (depending on the individual’s religion). The Agniveers were then formally welcomed as trained troops. Agniveers’ attestation also shows their readiness to be employed/deployed in the field on call of service.