By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 8 Dec: The historic Chetwode Drill Square hosted the Commandant’s Parade for Autumn Term 2022, here, today. The Commandant’s Parade marked the successful culmination of pre-commission training of 314 Indian and 30 Gentlemen Cadets from eleven friendly foreign countries.
IMA Commandant Lt Gen Vijay Kumar Mishra reviewed the parade and complimented all the Gentlemen Cadets for an immaculate turnout and excellent drill movements, which reflected a high level of motivation, pride and cohesion achieved through their training at IMA. He also commended the efforts by all in facing prevailing challenges while successfully undertaking the training without any dilution.
The Commandant, in his address to the Cadets, said that they would now bear the onerous responsibility to defend the country and defeat the adversary, even at the cost of their own life and the lives of the men they lead. It demands from each one of them utmost love for the country, exceptional character, a strong sense of honour and duty, self-confidence, competence and courage. Self-confidence is one of the most important qualities of a leader. It is a manifestation of knowledge, situational awareness, pride and the poise to stay strong and resolute under challenging circumstances. Courage includes, both, aspects of physical valour as well as courage of conviction. Physical courage should be evident in all their actions in military operations. Moral courage is the wisdom to clearly differentiate between right and wrong and imbibe the strength of character to choose the harder right, in any situation. Self-sacrifice is essential to leadership and a prime responsibility of a leader. They must see that the needs of their men are met first, and make their utmost effort in meeting them.
The General Officer also extended compliments to the 30 Gentlemen Cadets from friendly foreign countries for having endured the rigorous regimen of training, exhibiting excellent transformation and being fully ready to don the ranks in their respective armies, as most proficient officers. He addressed them specifically while stating that they would return home with happy memories of their stay at IMA and India. The training that they have received will benefit them in selfless service of their country. The bonds of friendship forged here with fellow Cadets and faculty would further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the nations.
In the end, he encouraged the Gentlemen Cadets to put their best foot forward for the final Passing Out Parade and wished all the Gentlemen Cadets the very best in the years ahead. The Commandant also congratulated the parents and dear ones of the Passing Out Course for the achievements of their wards.
