Passing out parade

**Smti. Deborah Marak, Minister, Civil Defence & Home Guards, presenting the trophy for Best Overall Recruit to Shri Emerson Kharkongor, Guardsman (RC), 3rd Basic Course**

SHILLONG, NOV 6: “You must uphold the oath you have taken today, every day of your life”said Deborah C Marak, Minister, Home (Civil Defence & Home Guards) etc to the batch of new Guardsmen and NCEs of the Directorate of Civil Defence & Home Guards, who passed out today from the Central Training Institute, Mawdiangdiang.

Alluding to the oath that they had taken, of allegiance to the Constitution of India and service to the citizens of the nation taken by the new Guardsman and NCEs, the minister who was the chief guest on the parade, said that they should remember and carry it within their hearts, “whether they are in the jungles carrying out a tough task, whether they are in a flood area where they are facing a critical situation.”

Congratulating the new Guardsman and NCEs on the occasion, she said that the day’s passing out ceremony signifies that, having crossed the most demanding part of their physical and mental abilities, they have now qualified to be a member of the Civil Defence and Home Guards.

The minister also lauded the efforts of the Officers, Staff and Instructors for the brilliant drill display.

She said that the training imparted in the Institute will help the new recruits to stand in good stead in their future.

Speaking about the department, Deborah said that the department has been very active and has done a lot for the society, most notably during the landslide at Tharia, Ri Bhoi District and the bus accident in Sonapur, East Jaintia Hills district.

The department has always responded to any crisis whether floods, landslide or earthquakes, she added.

Others who spoke in the occasion were R Awasthi, IPS, Director General, Civil Defence and Home Guards and S Rangad, Commandant, Central Training Institute, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Mawdiangdiang.

The Chief Guest also distributed the trophy and medals to the trainee who excelled in different fields of the training.

Altogether 66 Guardsman ( Equivalent Ranks) and Non Combatant Employees forming the 3 rd Basic Course passed out from the Central Training Institute of Civil Defence & Home Guards today at Mawdiangdiang Parade Ground.

By Our Reporter