How is the Indian Army Empowering 'Agniveers' in Manipur?

Imphal, June 17 (NationPress) In a demonstration of its commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment, the Indian Army honored 10 young men in the Bishnupur district of Manipur on Tuesday, as confirmed by officials.

According to Defence spokesman Lt Col Amit Shukla, these 10 individuals recently finished their Basic Military Training under the 'Agniveer' initiative and are now prepared to join the Indian Army as esteemed 'Agniveers'. The ceremony saw the presence of the Agniveers alongside their families and Army officials, who gathered to recognize this pivotal achievement.

Lt Col Shukla highlighted that these young aspirants, coming from various communities, had approached an Army battalion for assistance. Acknowledging their potential, the Army provided them with preparatory training and mentorship at multiple locations to equip them for the recruitment rallies.

The defence spokesman noted that with ongoing support and guidance, these youths successfully navigated all stages of the recruitment process in 2024, which included the Common Entrance Test (CET), as well as physical and medical evaluations. Now that they have completed their Basic Military Training, the Agniveers will be inducted into their respective arms, regiments, and units, where they'll serve the nation with pride and honor.

During the felicitation ceremony, Army officers commended the 'Agniveers' for their determination and success, stating that "their achievement is not just a personal victory, but also a source of motivation for their communities and the state."

This initiative reflects the Indian Army's steadfast dedication to fostering local talent, empowering youth, and contributing to societal progress. The success of these Agniveers serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring more youth in Manipur to take on significant roles in nation-building, according to Lt Col Shukla.

In a related initiative, the defence spokesman mentioned the establishment of Manipur Super-50 by the Indian Army, in partnership with SBI Foundation and National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO), aimed at providing NEET and JEE coaching in Bishnupur district.

In a striking demonstration of the impact of education and empowerment, the Manipur Super-50 program achieved remarkable success in the NEET-2025 examination. Out of 39 students who participated, 37 qualified, resulting in an impressive 95 percent success rate, showcasing the transformative effect of this flagship outreach initiative.

Leading this success is Philem Jenin Singh, who ranks among the top achievers in Manipur with a remarkable 97.06 percentile. The program offers free residential coaching for deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds throughout Manipur.