The Punjab Pulse
Patiala, 07 July: As a part of its initiative to motivate Punjabi youth, especially Sikhs to join the Indian Army, The Global Punjabi Association (GPA) held a meeting in Patiala.
The meeting was organized and chaired by Col. Jaibans Singh, national Vice President GPA at his residence in Patiala. The invitees included military veterans (ex-servicemen), religious teachers and social workers from nearby villages.
While briefing the delegates about the current situation, Col. Jaibans Singh said that the number of candidates for recruitment has gone down considerably over the years. Some senior retired officers and other military veterans of the Sikh regiment realized the crisis situation and went from village to village to motivate the youth to come forward and seek recruitment.
The initiative paid hadnsome dividends with the number opf candidates increasing considerably and a good number passing the written test. Now the second phase of physical tests of the successful candidates is underway and will be followed by the medical examination.
Col. Jaibans Singh urged the delegates to create an eco-system in their areas, whereby, correct information is given to the youth and they are prepared to take the examination.
It is important because Punjab requires manpower for the Sikh regiment, a Punjab battalion, many Armoured Regiments that have pure Sikh squadrons and artillery units among others. Maintaining the required strength in our traditional units is our responsibility. If we fail, we will lose our proud legacy.
The silver lining is that the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment that comprises Mazhabi and Ravidasia Sikhs and has a tremendous history of valour is not facing a big problem in filling vacancies. The same spirit has to be generated in Sikh from other castes also, especially Jat Sikhs.
The delegates promised to mobilise support in their villages and surrounding areas with lectures in schools and Gurdwaras. Col. Jaibans Singh promised to prepare a note listing the benefits of joining the army and the opportunities available to Agniveers. The note can be circulated in rural areas and will help in the motivation process.
Col. Jaibans Singh appealed to all Punjabis to come forward in this commemorative year of the 350th martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and protect our proud heritage and legacy of honourable military service.