A total of 610 gentlemen cadets (GCs) took part in the colorful Passing out Parade (POP) on 11 June 2016 that was held on the drill square in front of Chetwode Hall at Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. The GCs who competed their training at the IMA included 45 from six friendly nations.
The Reviewing Officer of the parade was Lt-Gen Sarath Chand, General Officer Commanding-In-Chief (GOC-In-C), South Western Command, and Colonel of Garhwal Rifles, and Garhwal Scouts.
In the beginning of the parade, company markers marched on the drill square and formed the inspection line. Then gentlemen cadets in different contingents, led by Parade Commander Academy Cadet Adjutant (ACA) Rajendra Singh Bisht, entered into the drill square. The enthusiasm of the cadets was applauded by the dignitaries present and the family members of the GCs.
The Reviewing Office congratulated the GCs on the occasion and asked them to uphold IMA’s motto of wisdom and valor during their professional careers in Indian Army.
“Being in uniform we have a definite role in contributing to the society and help in nation building,” he said.
Lt Gen Sarath Chand said cadets have received high standards of training at the academy and they should utilize it to serve their respective countries. He urged them to be always updated about modern warfare and advance technologies. He advised them to work hard, learn latest military technologies, and also take care of men behind weapons.
“Your juniors will blindly follow you, if as young officers you lead them by setting examples,” he said.
Lt Gen Sarath Chand then gave away prizes to gentlemen cadets who excelled in their training.
Academy Cadet Adjutant Rajendra Singh Bisht received the most popular Sword of Honour.
Battalion Under Officer Aman Dhaka was presented the Gold Medal for the standing first in the Overall Order of Merit from the regular course. SUO N Dinesh Kumar won the silver medal.
“Imphal” Company was adjudged the best company among all companies of the academy, and received the Chief of Army Staff Banner.
During the final stage of the parade, petals were showered on the GCs by three helicopters when GCs were moving towards Antim Pag, Chetwode Hall. The POP marked the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of GCs as commissioned officers of the Indian Army.
Uttar Pradesh topped all Indian states for giving the maximum gentlemen cadets (98 out of total 565) followed by Haryana and Bihar which had 60 each.
