Shillong June 22: The 22nd June 2013 marked a red letter day in the history of 58 Gorkha Training Centre as 234 Young Soldiers passed out of 58 GTC after 44 weeks of grueling training which included all facets of military training to include physical and mental endurance, weapon firing, fieldcraft and battlecraft, these 44 weeks of military training included both basic and advanced stages. The passing out parade was of exacting standards and was witnessed by approximately 4,000 guests which included proud parents of soldiers who have travelled from some of the remotest places of Nepal and India to witness the attestation parade which started at the break of dawn.
Brigadier Manohar Thomas, Commandant 58 Gorkha Training Centre was the chief guest and reviewed the parade. He exhorted all young soldiers to live to the highest traditions of the Indian Army which is deployed across the length and breadth of our country in varied terrain which also includes inhospitable terrain and engaged in fighting the adversaries. The Mighty Gorkhas have stood the test of time in battlefields around the globe as also on our borders and the heroism of their valiant actions bears testimony to the same.
The attestation parade was of great grandeur Young Soldier Resham Gharti Magar was adjudged the Best Recruit of Recruit Batch No 161 and awarded Manekshaw Khukri and Dutta Trophy being the the best recruit in 8 Gorkha Rifles. Young Soldier Santosh Tamang was adjudged as the Best Recruit in 5 Gorkha Rifles and awarded Zorawar Khukri.
The glittering ceremony had shower of blessings from the nature Gods as the weather was bright and sunny and showcased the best in the soldier. On conclusion of the military parade, the Young Soldiers passed through the arch of Khukris and took the last step to join the rank and folds of the Indian Army. Finally there was a cultural show which included the prestigious Gorkha Military Band Display, Khukri Dance and Aerobics Display. (SP News)
