In a most impressive Passing Out Parade held in the Indian Military Academy (IMA) on Saturday, a total of 617 Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) and 71 Foreign Gentlemen Cadets (FGCs) took Antim Pag (Final Step) through the portals of the historic Chetwode Hall of Academy and stepped out as young and vibrant leaders of the Indian Army.
Out of the fleet of 617 GCs, 400 GCs were from 133 Regular Course, 111 from 116 Technical Graduate Course, 105 from 22 Technical Entry Scheme and one from 21A University Entry Scheme. Besides, 52 FGCs from Afghanistan, five each from Tajikistan, Bhutan and Kazakhstan and two each from Nepal and Mauritius were also passed out. Defence Minister AK Antony reviewed the parade.
The parade began with the company markers marched on the drill square, in front of the historic Chetwode Hall and formed the inspection line. The Parade Commander, Academy Under Officer (AUO) Akshat Joshi entered to the drill square on the tunes of academy song Bharat Mata Teri Kasam and smartly dressed-up young GCs in different contingents entered into the drill square.
Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh and IMA Commandant lt Gen Manvender Singh were given ‘General Salute’. later on, Review Officer (RO) Defence Minister AK Antony was received by Commandant and was given Guard of Honor. RO along with IMA Commandant and Parade Commander AUO Joshi inspected the parade.
After the inspection, the ceremonial march-past began in which contingents of smartly dressed-up GCs of passing out course from various companies of Academy participated and displayed their marching skills to the tunes of Col Bogey and Sare Jahan Se Achcha. later, after congratulating parents of the passed out course for offering the nation the gift of fine young officers, Antony said that Indian Army was fully capable to tackle any kind of external aggression but Indian Government always preferred to have dialogue with neigbhouring countries to resolve any kind of issue. He said that renovation and modernisation of communication equipments and weapons was a regular feature in the Indian Defence forces. Antony also said that the Government of India wanted to have cordial relations with neighbouring countries in order to spread the message of harmony in the Indian sub-continental and the Government would continue strive for having bilateral talks with its counterparts.
After congratulating the proud parents of the GCs, Antony gave the most coveted Sword of Honour and silver medal to AUO Akshat Joshi. The Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit was awarded to Kamlesh Mani, whereas, the Bronze Medal was won by Vicky Duhoon. The Silver Medal (Technical Graduate Course) was won by Ratan Singh and Silver Medal (Technical Entry Scheme) was bagged by Ashwin Nagpal. The Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Sangro/Manekshaw Company for standing overall first in the term.
Emotions ran high among the parents and relatives of GCs of the passing out course as they started towards the Final Step. The day ended with the peeping-in and oath taking ceremony.