KOHIMA: A total of 382 new female recruits stood tall on the parade ground at the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School (ARTC&S) in Nagaland’s Shokhuvi as a special attestation parade celebrated the culmination of 44 weeks of rigorous training.
The parade, led by Major Swati Basedia, an officer stationed at the ARTC&S, was reviewed by Lieutenant General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and a distinguished military leader holding multiple awards and accolades.
Lieutenant General Pradeep Chandran Nair, the Director General of Assam Rifles, and other senior officers from the Indian Army and Assam Rifles were also in attendance.
Addressing the recruits, Governor Parnaik shed light on the Assam Rifles’ storied history as the nation’s oldest paramilitary force, underscoring its multifaceted roles.
Significantly, Assam Rifles had been inducting women in all frontline duties since 2015. He highlighted that the courageous riflewomen had demonstrated their mettle not only in the Northeast but also in Jammu and Kashmir and in UN missions.
In 2019 and 2023, women contingents of Assam Rifles had also made their mark in Republic Day Parades, he recalled.
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During the ceremony, the memory of Late Captain Kenguruse, Mahavir Chakra recipient, was solemnly honoured by the Governor.
He also encouraged the recruits to serve the nation with unwavering dedication, reminding them of their added responsibilities as women in uniform. Apart from their professional duties, he acknowledged the vital role they play in their families’ lives.
As a testament to the growing role of women in the Indian armed forces, the female recruits were trained in combat skills, weapon handling, jungle lane shooting, and specialised training in counter-insurgency operations.
These newly graduated recruits will now join their respective units and continue their service on the frontlines, upholding the proud tradition of the force.
Following the passing-out parade, the Governor had the opportunity to meet distinguished recruits, including Recruit Riflewoman Nonie Chizo, recognised as the overall best recruit, Physicals Recruit Riflewoman Veplilu Hoshi, and Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh’s Recruit Riflewoman Lushangi Yobin.
The meeting served as a fitting tribute to their dedication and commitment to their new roles in the Assam Rifles.
