In a stirring display of military discipline and regimental pride, the Madras Engineer Group (MEG) & Centre, also known as the Madras Sappers, hosted the Passing Out Parade for 568 Agniveer recruits at its parade grounds in Bengaluru. The event marked the culmination of intensive training for the 5th batch of Agniveers, who are now prepared to join the ranks of the Indian Army.

The parade, set against the backdrop of the MEG’s historical campus, began with a ceremonial inspection led by senior Army officers. A Maruti Gypsy, a rugged vehicle symbolic of the Indian Army’s enduring traditions, was used during the review — a nod to the resilience and operational readiness that the Army demands from both its men and machines.

The Agniveers, resplendent in their ceremonial attire—featuring blue dooptas (turbans), gold and maroon jari bands, and white spats—marched with impeccable coordination, reflecting the high standards of the MEG training program. The parade ground echoed with commands, synchronized footsteps, and regimental tunes played by a military band, creating a powerful atmosphere of patriotism and pride.

One of the emotional highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the Gaurav Padak, a medal awarded to the parents of Agniveers. This honor acknowledges the vital role played by families in supporting and encouraging their children to serve the nation. Parents beamed with pride as their sons marched past, transformed from civilians into soldiers.

Distinguished veterans, senior officers, and family members were in attendance, witnessing the symbolic transition of the young recruits into trained sappers. The occasion served not only as a milestone for the Agniveers but also as a celebration of the rich heritage of the Madras Sappers, one of the oldest and most decorated units in the Indian Army.

Founded in 1780 by the British, the Madras Sappers have a long and storied legacy. Referred to affectionately as “Thambi Sappers” (with “Thambi” meaning “younger brother” in Tamil), the regiment has played pivotal roles in numerous military operations, including Operation Polo in 1948, which led to the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. Their regimental motto, “Sarvatra” (meaning “everywhere”), embodies their versatility and enduring service across varied terrains and roles.

During the parade, the regimental song “Vetri Vetri Ethilum Vetri Thambi” (“Victory, victory in everything, victory younger brother”) was played — capturing the spirit of unity, courage, and determination that defines the regiment’s ethos.

The inclusion of Agniveers into the regiment is part of the larger Agnipath scheme, launched in 2022, which aims to reshape the Indian Army through short-term recruitment of youth. These Agniveers will serve for four years, after which a select 25 percent may be offered permanent commission. The scheme has brought a new wave of energy and youth to the Army, and the successful training and integration of this batch stand as a testament to its implementation at the regimental level.

As the Agniveers prepare to take up their roles in service of the nation, the Passing Out Parade at MEG not only highlighted their transformation but also reinforced the Madras Sappers’ unwavering dedication to excellence, discipline, and the defence of India.

In a proud and symbolic moment in the snow-clad region of Ladakh, 194 Agniveer recruits successfully passed out from the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, joining the ranks of one of the Indian Army’s most elite and specialized infantry units. The event, marked by military precision and ceremonial splendour, was reviewed by Major General Gurpal Singh, YSM, SM, and attended by proud families, senior officers, and local dignitaries.

The recruits, now officially inducted into the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme, have completed a rigorous and demanding training regimen tailored to the unique mountain warfare specialization of the Ladakh Scouts. They pledged unwavering loyalty and dedication to the nation, standing tall as the newest guardians of India’s most difficult and strategically vital frontiers.

Known as the “Snow Warriors” or “Snow Leopards”, the Ladakh Scouts are a distinct infantry regiment famed for their combat effectiveness in some of the harshest conditions on earth. From securing glacial heights during Operation Meghdoot in 1984 to ongoing deployments in the icy outposts of the Siachen Glacier and other forward posts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the regiment has a storied legacy of unmatched resilience and tactical excellence in high-altitude warfare.

Major General Gurpal Singh, addressing the parade, congratulated the young soldiers on their successful transformation into battle-ready warriors. He emphasized the vital role the Ladakh Scouts play in maintaining India’s territorial integrity in the Himalayan theatre and urged the new Agniveers to uphold the regiment’s proud traditions of courage, honour, and sacrifice.

This Passing Out Parade is part of the ongoing implementation of the Agniveer recruitment model, introduced by the Indian government in June 2022, aimed at transforming the armed forces into a leaner, younger, and more technologically proficient force. Under this model, recruits serve for a four-year term, after which 25% may be retained for long-term service based on merit and performance.

While the Agnipath scheme has generated both enthusiasm and debate across the country, this successful induction of Agniveers into the Ladakh Scouts showcases the Indian Army’s efforts to seamlessly integrate the new system into its regimental structure. Supporters view the scheme as a way to modernize the force, infuse youthful energy, and optimize defence expenditure. However, critics have raised concerns about long-term retention, training costs, and the potential erosion of regimental identity.

For the new Agniveers, though, the focus was firmly on the moment — a culmination of months of rigorous training at high altitudes, learning to navigate snowbound terrain, adapt to extreme cold, and master the principles of mountain warfare that define the Ladakh Scouts. The parade symbolized not just the end of training but the beginning of a commitment to serve India in one of its most hostile and geopolitically sensitive regions.

As the tricolour fluttered against the backdrop of the Himalayas and the newly minted soldiers marched with pride, the event reaffirmed the timeless spirit of India’s border warriors — resilient, disciplined, and ever-ready.

In a ceremonious gathering at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Lt. General Pushpendra Pal Singh, one of the Indian Army’s most accomplished officers, was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) by the Hon’ble President of India. The award, given in recognition of his “distinguished service of an exceptional order” during peacetime, marks a high point in the General’s illustrious military career and serves as a testament to his enduring commitment to the defence of the nation.

A veteran of the elite 4 Para (Special Forces), Lt. General Singh has built a stellar reputation over decades of service marked by operational brilliance, strategic foresight, and inspirational leadership. Since 2022, he has served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Rising Star Corps (IX Corps), a vital formation of the Indian Army’s Western Command headquartered in Chandimandir, Haryana. The IX Corps, established in 2005, holds responsibility for key frontier states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, making it one of the most strategically significant Corps in the Indian Army’s organisational structure.

Under Lt. General Singh’s command, IX Corps has not only maintained a high state of operational readiness but has also strengthened civil-military coordination, infrastructure development in border areas, and the morale of troops deployed in difficult terrain. His leadership has been particularly appreciated in the context of evolving security dynamics along India’s western borders and the increasing importance of rapid deployment and counter-terror capabilities.

Prior to his command of IX Corps, Lt. General Singh held several high-profile appointments, including key instructional and command roles at the Infantry School in Mhow and the Strategic Forces Command — the tri-services formation responsible for managing India’s strategic and nuclear arsenal. His time in these institutions reflects a deep engagement with both the tactical and strategic aspects of modern military operations. His early career with 4 Para (SF) is also noteworthy; officers in this elite regiment are known for their participation in some of the most critical counter-insurgency and cross-border operations carried out by the Indian Army.

The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, instituted on January 26, 1960, originally as the Vishisht Seva Medal, Class II, is among the highest peacetime gallantry and service decorations in India. Awarded to all ranks of the armed forces, including reserves and territorial units, the AVSM honours distinguished service of a very high order and is often seen as the peacetime equivalent of the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal. The medal features a five-pointed star on the obverse and the Lion Capital on the reverse, made in silver gilt. It can also be conferred posthumously.

The award ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was a grand display of military tradition and national pride. Attended by the three service chiefs, senior military officers, decorated veterans, and family members of awardees, the ceremony underscored the honour and respect that the nation bestows upon its armed forces. The President, as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, has traditionally played a central role in conferring such honours, reinforcing the importance of civilian oversight and constitutional recognition of military service.

Lt. General Pushpendra Pal Singh’s recognition with the AVSM comes at a time when the Indian Army is undergoing significant transformation — with an increasing emphasis on technology-driven warfare, joint operations, and enhanced combat readiness. Leaders like him, with proven credentials in both field operations and strategic command, are instrumental in guiding the force through this critical phase of evolution.

His journey from the demanding regimental life of a Special Forces officer to the apex of military leadership reflects not only personal grit and excellence but also the meritocratic ethos of the Indian Army. Officers and men across the ranks have lauded the recognition of General Singh, seeing in his award a reaffirmation of the Army’s tradition of honouring service, discipline, and sacrifice.

As he continues to serve in a pivotal command position, Lt. General Singh remains a figure of inspiration for countless young officers and soldiers across the country. His career, marked by bold decisions, strategic clarity, and unwavering dedication, stands as a reminder of the values that the Indian Army holds dear — duty, honour, and country.

In a significant development aimed at enhancing the role of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs) in the Indian Army’s decision-making structure, Subedar Major Ojit Singh of 3 Assam Regiment has been appointed as the first Command Subedar Major (Comd SM) of the Northern Command. The appointment marks a new chapter in institutional leadership and troop engagement within the Army.

This landmark position was created following the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who ordered the establishment of Command Subedar Major posts across all Army Commands, as well as at the COAS level. The initiative draws inspiration from the role of the Senior Sergeant Major in Western militaries and is designed to establish a formal communication channel between the senior-most Army leadership and the JCOs/ORs who form the Army’s operational core.

As Command Subedar Major, Ojit Singh will serve in an advisory capacity to the Army Commander on all matters related to JCOs and ORs. This advisory role mirrors that of the Colonel Military Secretary (Col MS), who handles officer-level affairs. His insights will be crucial in shaping policy, morale, training standards, and personnel welfare from the grassroots level.

In addition to advisory duties, the Command SM will play a direct role in operational reviews. He will accompany the Army Commander during visits to units and formations, holding dedicated sessions with JCOs and ORs to assess ground realities and convey feedback to the command leadership.

The appointment is expected to institutionalize a deeper level of trust and coordination between Army Headquarters and the field units, especially in strategically critical areas under the Northern Command’s jurisdiction. It also signals a growing recognition of the importance of JCOs and ORs in shaping the future direction of the force.

Subedar Major Ojit Singh, known for his professionalism and vast field experience, brings immense credibility to this role. His tenure as the first Command SM is being viewed as a historic step that could set a precedent for future military leadership models in the Indian Army.