Listen to this articlePresident Kovind reviews IMA passing out parade, 387 gentlemen cadets become officers
68 GCs of 10 friendly foreign countries
Dehradun, Dec 11
President of India Ram Nath Kovind, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, today urged the young officers of the India army who passed out of the academy at the Passing out Parade (POP) of Indian Military Academy (IMA) here, to dedicate themselves in the service of the nation. Addressing the gentlemen cadets after the reviewing the impressive Passing out Parade, he cautioned the Gentlemen Cadets about the challenges that the Nation is facing today at the regional and global level.
A total of 387 Gentleman Cadets of 149 Regular Course and 132 Technical Graduate Course, including 68 Gentleman Cadets from 10 friendly foreign countries successfully passed out from Indian Military Academy, overcoming all challenges of COVID-19.
The President emphasised that the physical and mental toughness alone are not enough to tackle modern-day threats, but as military leaders, officers will have to develop a strategic mindset, cultivate an adaptive temperament and acquire the mental resilience essential to hone the skills for military leadership.
He exhorted that the advancement in technology has often been driven by military dynamics and that modern-day military leaders, must embrace this technological drift and understand the seamless synergy required between men and machines. He said that the IMA takes pride in its rich legacy and the saga of valour and sacrifice etched by its brave alumni. Many extraordinary strategists began their journey at IMA.
The President in his tribute to General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) said that the nation is yet to come out of the shock of the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat, He said that General Rawat was an extraordinary military leader and added to the glory of IMA. He recalled that General Rawat was awarded the sword of honour for his exceptional skills in IMA.
The President said that this premier institution of international repute has in recent past undertaken major transformational initiatives to produce future-ready warriors well versed with realities of a technology-intensive battlefield and its challenges.
Complimenting the foreign Gentleman Cadets, President Kovind said “We cherish the special bond between our Nations, and it is a matter of great pride for India to train such fine officers and gentlemen. I am positive that you shall preserve the unique relationship forged with your colleagues and instructors during your training at IMA”.
The Gentleman Cadets displayed inspiring enthusiasm and zeal, and put up an excellent show, marching with perfection to Military tunes of Col Bogey’, Sare Jahan Se Achha’ and “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja” with pride and élan reflecting in each step.
The solemn ceremony and events of this Passing Out Parade come in the backdrop of the homage and tributes that the academy is paying to its brave alumni Gen Bipin Rawat, first Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier LS Lidder, along with 11 other departed souls.
In the winter term passing out Parade of IMA, Uttar Pradesh contributed 45 officers while Uttarakhand being relatively smaller state gave 43 officers with Haryana securing third place with 34 officers. While, Madhya Pradesh and Maharshtra gave 20 officers each, Himachal Pradesh contributed 13 officers. The states of J&K and Delhi gave 11 officers each.
The sword of honour and gold medal in the order of merit was won by gentlemen cadet Anmol Gurung.
This year 2021 also marks the 50th anniversary of the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 War and the year is being observed as Swarnim Vijay Varsh in Honour of the Indian Soldier who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Uttarakhand Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami were also present during the ceremony.
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