A significant milestone was reached with the induction of 158 Agniveers into the Indian Army during a formal attestation parade at the historic Salaria Stadium in Subathu, Himachal Pradesh. This event celebrated the successful completion of 31 weeks of intensive basic military training, marking the fifth batch of recruits under the Indian government’s Agnipath Scheme.
The parade unfolded with the Agniveers impeccably dressed and marching in unison to stirring patriotic music. During this solemn occasion, they pledged their allegiance to the Republic of India, reaffirming their commitment to serve the nation. Senior military officials were present to honor outstanding recruits, recognizing their exceptional performance throughout the training program. A memorable element of the ceremony included the presentation of a trophy and the ceremonial pinning of a badge on one of the Agniveers, symbolizing their official entry into the Indian Army.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by a captivating pipe band performance alongside a grand march-past, which was reviewed by a senior officer from a ceremonial vehicle. The families of the Agniveers were also acknowledged during the event, as proud parents received the Gaurav Padak, a token of appreciation for their steadfast support throughout the recruits’ journey.
Initiated in June 2022, the Agnipath Scheme is designed to recruit youth aged between 17.5 and 21 for a four-year service term, which includes six months of training. The scheme aims to refresh the Army’s age profile and address the annual retirements of approximately 50,000 to 60,000 personnel. While the government heralds this initiative as a transformative reform that fosters discipline and paves new career pathways, it has also faced criticism. Opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian National Congress, have raised concerns regarding the short tenure, lack of pension for the majority of recruits, and limited opportunities for integration into the permanent cadre.
This attestation parade in Subathu is part of a nationwide series aimed at inducting over 6,500 Agniveers into the Indian Army. Similar ceremonies have taken place in various locations across the country, including Leh, Srinagar, Nasik, and Belagavi, showcasing the extensive implementation of the Agnipath initiative nationwide.
