Attestation Parade at The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre

Attestation parade was held today at 09:00 AM at Talekar Drill Square for the recruits of the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre. A total of 492 recruits of Group 5, 6 and 7/18 were attested after successful completion of their training and would soon be reporting for duty at different parts of the country in the service of the nation. The parade was commanded by Rect Badwaik Hemkrushna while the Parade Adjutant was Maj Yumnam Gandhi.

The parade was reviewed by Lieutenant General PJS Pannu, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Colonel of the Maratha Light Infantry. The Young Soldiers took oath in the presence of the Tricolour and Regimental Colour to serve and protect the motherland even at the cost of their lives. The pride with which the soldiers took oath made the ceremony even more impressive.

The Colonel of the Maratha Light Infantry in his address to the newly attested soldiers reminded them of the rich heritage and the glory of the Maratha Light Infantry, being one of the oldest infantry regiments of our army. He also stressed upon the importance of discipline and physical fitness in a soldier’s life. He exuded confidence in the training conducted at the Regimental Centre which he expressed would stand the young soldiers in good stead before wishing them the very best in their future assignments.

Lieutenant General PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM awarded meritorious recruits for excelling in different spheres of training during the parade. Col RD Nikam Trophy instituted for the Best performance by a Recruit of the attestation group in all spheres of training and co-curricular activities was awarded to Rect Harish Bhosale & Namdev Jadhav Medal and Trophy was awarded to Rect Palve Abhishek for being best in Firing. Sucha Singh Memorial Cup for being the best recruit displaying physical prowess and endurance in Outdoor Activities was awarded to Rect Temgire Sandesh. Rect Munde Balasaheb was awarded Colonel NJ Nair Medal for his outstanding performance in Field Craft i.e. being adept at best use of ground and weapons. Major SS Brar Medal instituted for the Recruit being best in physical training was awarded to Rect Sarika Nivas. Rect Badwaik Hemkrushna was awarded Subedar Honorary Captain Keshav Rao Talekar Medal & Trophy for best performance in Drill.

During attestation parade while paying obeisance to the gallant martyrs of The Maratha Light Infantry Regiment Lieutenant General PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Colonel of the Maratha Regiment felicitated 06 Veer Naris Smt Tulsa wife of Late Subedar Parshuram Londe, Smt Savita wife of Late Sepoy Dhangar Mhalu, Smt Lata wife of Late Subedar Tonapi Kallapa, Smt Kamal mother of Late Sepoy Patil Ramdas, Smt Vaishali wife of Late Sepoy Kyadagi Tejpal and Smt Sujata wife of Late Sepoy Bharat Shahpurkar with Badge of Sacrifice and Certificate of Honour.
A host of Civil dignitaries including decedent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, HH Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, Yuvraj Shri Sambhaji Raje, Retired & Serving army officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, Other Ranks and families of the newly attested soldiers were present to witness the parade. The parents of the young soldiers proudly displayed ‘Gaurav Padak’ which they wore at the ceremony. The ceremony also included the wreath laying at the War Memorial to honour the martyrs and culminated with tea for the newly attested soldiers and spectators.