29-05-2026:Address by the Governor at the Passing Out Parade of the 7th Batch of Agniveers, Assam Regiment
(Date: May 29, 2026)
Jai Hind! Stay Strong!
Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh greeted the senior military officers, JCOs, instructors, and the proud parents present at the ceremony. He congratulated the 7th batch of Agniveers of the Assam Regiment for successfully completing their training.
Speaking in Shillong, he said that standing before the parade filled him with pride—not only as the Governor of Uttarakhand but also as a former soldier of the Assam Regiment, which he described as his “mother regiment.” Seeing the regiment’s Rhino insignia still fills him with the same spirit and enthusiasm he felt during his military service.
He credited the Assam Regiment’s discipline, traditions, and rigorous training for shaping his character and career, including his service as Vice Chief of the Army Staff. He praised the Northeast for its rich cultural heritage, values, discipline, and patriotism, calling it a priceless jewel of India.
The Governor reminded the newly inducted soldiers that by taking the oath to defend the nation, they had entered a new phase of life. Their primary identity from now on would be that of an Indian soldier.
> “Your only caste is Indian. Your only religion is duty to the nation. Your only identity is that of an Indian soldier.”
He emphasized that “Nation First” is not merely a slogan but a way of life for military personnel. The duty of a soldier, he said, is to live for the country and, if necessary, make the supreme sacrifice for it.
The Governor highlighted the role of the Indian Armed Forces in protecting the country’s borders, preserving unity and integrity, assisting during disasters, and contributing to international peacekeeping missions.
Addressing the Agniveers, he noted that future wars will increasingly be shaped by technology, including cyber warfare, drones, artificial intelligence, and space-based capabilities. Therefore, soldiers must continuously upgrade their technical skills and adapt to changing battlefield requirements.
He praised the modernization of India’s armed forces under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mentioning reforms such as the Chief of Defence Staff system and indigenous defence achievements including the INS Vikrant, HAL Tejas, and BrahMos.
Calling the Agniveers “new-age warriors,” he said their energy, courage, and technological competence would help take the Indian Army to greater heights.
The Governor also spoke about the transformation of Northeast India, stating that under current leadership the region has moved toward greater peace, connectivity, and development. He described a strong and self-reliant India by 2047 as a shared national goal and stressed that the military would play a crucial role in achieving it.
He paid tribute to the parents who had entrusted their sons to the service of the nation and expressed confidence that the new Agniveers would uphold the proud traditions of the Assam Regiment.
Concluding his address, he reminded the soldiers:
> “A uniform is not merely worn on the body; it is lived through character, discipline, and sacrifice.”
He wished all the passing-out Agniveers a successful military career and ended with:
Jai Hind!