Marching on military tunes at the Pakistan Military Academy on Saturday, Hercharn Singh was unlikely to be missed by spectators at the passing out parade.
Wearing a typical turban and supporting a traditional beard, Singh matched steps of the under-training graduates as the only Sikh ever to join Pakistan Army.
Hailing from Nankana Sahib, the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev the founder of Sikh faith, around 280 km south of Islamabad, Cadet Hercharn Singh is in his second term of the 116 Long Course.
"I am proud to be a Pakistani and to join Pakistan Army," Hercharn Singh told APP after meeting Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who was at the academy to address the cadets.
Visibly excited on joining the prestigious academy he said "people of our community should have joined earlier."
He seemed quite clear when asked about his ambitions. "Being the first Sikh cadet, I wish and pray also to be the first one to be a 'Shaheed' (martyr)."
Being the eldest son, Hercharn Singh's mother was initially hesitant to send him for military training. "But now she is proud of me," he said smiling.
Cadet Hercharn has a young brother and regularly writes home about his daily routine. He had joined the National College of Arts, but opted to go after his dream to serve as an officer in Pakistan Army.
His colleagues and instructors describe him as a bright and friendly team member.
The Pakistani armed forces have many Christian officers and men, but Hercharn is the first Sikh.