Having undergone 42 weeks of rigorous military training at the well-equipped Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) in Wellington, near here, 299 recruits lined up inside its imposing and historical Srinagesh Barracks on Friday to be recognised as jawans of the Indian Army. The recruits who were from different places south of the Vindhyas turned up in the smart uniform of the Madras Regiment, the oldest of its kind in the Indian Army.
Adorned with the accoutrements of the highly decorated Regiment, they swore to dedicate their lives to the nation.
Earlier, they participated in an impressive attestation parade. MRC Commandant Brigadier S. Suresh Kumar reviewed the parade and honoured seven outstanding recruits.
Addressing the gathering, he observed that it was a turning point in the lives of the young soldiers as they had taken the solemn oath. “It is also a time for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the service of the nation,” he added. It was a moment to cherish for the parents and relatives of the young soldiers as well as for all the instructors as they witnessed the final step of the transformation of the young boys into tough, disciplined and responsible soldiers. A high tea formed part of the occasion.
