By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 14 Dec: The 155th Passing Out Parade of Indian Military Academy here was held on Saturday. The parade was reviewed by Suprabal Janasewashree General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of Army Staff, Nepal Army. He congratulated the officer cadets on successful completion of their training at IMA. He also, complimented the instructors and officer cadets for the excellent parade, immaculate turnout and precision during parade reflecting their hard work and training. The visit of General Ashok Raj Sigdel comes in the backdrop of visit by General Upendra Dwivedi to Nepal in the month of November this year where he was conferred the honorary rank of General of Nepal Army by President of Nepal, Ram Chandra Poudel as per the unique and long standing traditions between the two nations. The visit by Chief of Nepali Army showcases the strong and deep-rooted historical, military ties and will further strengthen the bond between the two armies.
This day and date of December 14, 2024 will go down in the history of IMA as another landmark milestone, where a total of 491 officer cadets of 155 Regular Course, 44 Technical Entry Scheme and 138 Technical Graduate course, Special Commissioned Officers (SCO-53) including 35 officer cadets from 13 friendly foreign countries successfully passed out from the portals of Indian Military Academy including two officer cadets of Royal Nepal Army.
The officer cadets displayed inspiring enthusiasm and zeal put up an excellent show, marching with perfection to military tunes of `Sare Jahan Se Achha’ and ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ with pride and élan reflecting in each step. They knew that their parents and loved ones were witnessing each step with great pride and affection including those watching the live coverage on all media platforms across the globe.
The Reviewing Officer thanked General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, Indian Army and the Government of India for this distinct honour. As the Honorary General of the Indian Army, he expressed, that the opportunity to review Passing out Parade at IMA was particularly meaningful for him. More than 200 Nepali cadets, have passed out through this same drill square and gone on to achieve very high ranks, within the Nepali army, including four chiefs of the Army staff.
While addressing the Passing out Course, the Reviewing Officer, mentioned that 37 years ago, he too had experienced similar feeling of elation and fulfilment. He quoted the ancient strategist, Chanakya: “Your Karma will decide your future. Hence trust that you will progress, by the merit of your actions, rather than your credential. You are the future of the great forces represented here and the warriors of tomorrow.”
After reviewing the parade, the Suprabal Janasewashree Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel laid a wreath at War Memorial, Indian Military Academy and paid tribute to the brave alumni of this prestigious training academy. The ‘Pipping Ceremony’, where the officer cadets don the ranks of Commissioned Officer, was carried out by their parents and loved ones. The Reviewing Officer, exhorted all to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation. He said, “You are just a step away from the historic and magnificent moment of your commissioning into the most elite forces”.
The Reviewing Officer presented the following awards:• The coveted award of the Sword of Honour was presented to ACA Jatin Kumar.• Gold Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit was presented to AUO Pratham Singh.• Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was presented to ACA Jatin Kumar.• Bronze Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Third in the Order of Merit was presented to BUO Mayank Dhyani.• Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Technical Graduate Course was presented to Officer Cadet Chirag Yadav.• Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Technical Entry Scheme (TES-44) was presented to Officer Cadet Mahipal Singh.• Bangladesh Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Foreign Country was presented to Officer Cadet Prabin Pandey (Nepal).• Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Jessore Company for standing Overall First amongst 12 companies for the Autumn Term 2024.
