What an achievement! Anurag Thakur becomes first BJP MP to be commissioned into Territorial Army

New Delhi: Anurag Thakur on Friday became the first serving BJP parliamentarian to be commissioned into the prestigious Territorial Army.

After the induction ceremony, the BJP MP said “It's a great honour for me to be commissioned into territorial army. Will always be ready to serve my nation.”

The 41-year-old has become the first serving BJP MP to join the force.

Photo: Piping Ceremony at South Block (Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir S Suhag & my father Prof. @dhumalhp) pic.twitter.com/nR5XRg6Y2w

— Lt. Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 29, 2016

Thakur made it to the Territorial Army after clearing a written exam and a personal interview round in Chandigarh. His training was held in Bhopal.

As a regular officer, the Lok Sabha member from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh will have to further undergo a mandatory training.

At 11am today I was commissioned into the #TerritorialArmy as a Lieutenant by Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir S Suhag at South Block.

— Lt. Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 29, 2016

Thankyou Minister @RajivPratapRudy fr your presence during the piping ceremony. #TerritorialArmy pic.twitter.com/MxZI3FrABe

— Lt. Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 29, 2016

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.

Video:Piping Ceremony at South Block in the presence of Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir S Suhag. #TerritorialArmy pic.twitter.com/unK0a5kmHL

— Lt. Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 29, 2016

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.

Thakur's grandfather was also in the army. The BJP MP wanted to join the armed forces but could not do so as his career got diverted to cricket and politics.

I will be joining the #TerritorialArmy on 29th July (tomorrow). Follow this space for updates. pic.twitter.com/zqK0ArvgvS

— Lt. Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 28, 2016

I will continue to serve the people by being their voice in Parliament & serve my country as a Lieutenant in the #TerritorialArmy

— Lt. Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 29, 2016