One of the highlights of the passing out contingent of spring term 2019 was a major presence of Foreign Gentleman Cadets (FGC) with 77 youngsters of nine foreign countries passing out from the prestigious academy.

Afghanistan with 45 FGCs led the table while with 15 FGCs Bhutan was at second place. Sherzad Sarbaz of Afghanistan who was adjusted best FGC talked in length about the price his beloved country had to pay for spread of radicalism.

He however added that majority of population of Afghanistan consists of very innocent and peace loving people.

Sarbaz whose father is an officer in Afghan army said that inspiration to join army emanated from the fact that his country is ravaged by war from last 40 years. He appreciated the training standard of IMA and said that it is best in world.

Sarbaz incidentally was adjusted best FGC during his training at National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune.

“ In last  few years things have calmed down in Afghanistan, the biggest challenge before us now is to rebuilt our country,’’ he said. Terming India where he has spent last four years as best friend of Afghanistan Sarbaz said though Pakistan tries hard to create wedge between India and Afghanistan its desire would never get fulfilled.

Dawa Tshering from Haa district of Bhutan said people of Bhutan give preference to spirituality than materialistic things. He said that Indian people should also give emphasis on preserving their culture and environment.His colleague Tenzin Wangchuk added, “Bhutan is at top of happiness index in world because we give emphasis on good governance, sustainable development and preservation of environment and natural resources.’’