BJP Hamirpur MP and BCCI President Anurag Thakur was today commissioned into the Territorial Army (TA) in the rank of Lieutenant. He was conferred the ranks by Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag in a ‘Commissioning’ ceremony held at Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence at South Block in the presence of military dignitaries and his family members.
Commenting on the occasion, Anurag Thakur said, “I am honored to be commissioned into the Territorial Army. I hail from the land called Veerbhoomi and as a child always wanted to contribute towards the wellbeing of the Nation and therefore joined politics. However, donning the army uniform and being able to safeguard the motherland was a childhood dream. My Grandfather was a serviceman, my father raised the issue of one rank one pension in the parliament. Now that I have got the opportunity, I will perform all the duties sincerely and will always be there to serve the country.”
Lt. Thakur became the first serving BJP Member of the Parliament to join the Territorial Army. The Territorial Army, the second line of defence after the regular army, is composed of volunteers who receive military training for about a month in a year so that in case of an emergency they can be mobilised for the defence of the country.
As a regular officer, Thakur will have to undergo a mandatory training.
The Territorial Army is not a profession, occupation or a source of employment. It is only meant for people who are already in mainstay civilian professions. In fact, gainful employment or self-employment in a civil profession is a pre-requisite for joining the Territorial Army.
Prem Kumar Dhumal, leader of opposition and proud father of Thakur was also present at the occasion. He said
“It is a big day for me today to see my son as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army. I have worked all my life for the betterment of the society and people and to see the same passion in my son gives me great joy. Anurag has worked tirelessly for the people of the State to safeguard their welfare and wellbeing and I am sure they would welcome this feat with extreme warmth and joy. It is indeed a matter of great pride for the entire Himachal Pradesh to see Anurag as a Lieutenant with the Territorial Army. Like always, Anurag will work with utmost sincerity and honesty and live upto the stature of the uniform.”
Younger brother Arun Singh Thakur also hailed the achievement of Anurag Thakur. He said
“Well he has given us lot of moments to be proud of and cherish. Playing for India Under-19, getting elected to Parliament three times in a row, building the most beautiful cricket stadium in Dharamshala, becoming youngest Secretary and President of BCCI….etc etc. But this surely has been the best one to adorn Olive green and commit as a serving soldier for the motherland. This honour has come to the family exactly after a century. Our grandfather joined the Army in 1916 and it’s also a coincidence that grandfather served in 2nd Punjab Regiment and Anurag Ji has been attached to Sikh Regiment. Proud of you and my Salute to you ! Jai Hind !!!”
Territorial Army is the second line of defence after the regular Indian Army. It is an organisation of volunteers who get training for a few days in a year so that they can contribute to the safety of the nation in case of an emergency. Territorial Army is meant for people who already are in mainstream civil professions.
