Braving chilly winds and rains, 665 Gentlemen Cadets passed out from the portals of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and became officers in different units of the Indian Army and the armies of friendly countries on Saturday. These GCs were part of 118 Technical Graduate Course, 24 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and 135 Regular course of the IMA.
With the markers call given by the sounding of bugle from the top of historic Chetwode building, the GCs entered the 240 metre X 60 metre tarmac marching in perfect rhythm on the tune of IMA band. The parade led by Academy Under -Officer Bhanu Pratap Singh marched in perfect coordination and drew regular applause from the audience for its enthusiasm and turn-out.
The GC gave ceremonial salute to Deputy Commandant of IMA Major General YS Mahiwal, the IMA Commandant lt General Manvender Singh, the General Officer Commanding- in-Chief, Eastern Command, lt General KJ Singh and review officer of the parade, the Chief of the General Staff, Afghan National Army, General Sher Mohammad Karimi. The review officer was brought to the parade ground amid ceremonial fanfare on the famed Patiala Chariot.
The chariot was donated by the Maharaja of Patiala to the IMA in 1969. The Afghan army chief who also was the chief guest on the occasion was given a ceremonial guard of honour by the parade. In his address, General Karimi congratulated the cadets for the parade and praised them for their turn- out. He said that the IMA Dehradun is one of the best military training institutes of the world and he is feeling privileged to be invited here. General Karimi exhorted the would- be officers to command their troops with dedication, compassion and competence. He said that 64 Foreign Gentlemen Cadets (FGC) are also part of the contingent which is passing out and they should always keep the bonds of camaraderie forged during the training in the academy.
On the occasion, General Karimi presented the awards to the outstanding GCs who excelled in different fields during their course. The prestigious sword of honour was presented to Bhanu Pratap Singh, as he was adjudged the best overall cadet. The Gold medal for standing first in the overall order of merit was presented to Pawan Kumar Sangwan. The Silver medal for standing second in overall order of merit was presented to Pankaj Kumar and the Bronze one to Aaditya Anand Tyagi. For standing first among the Technical Graduate course, Abhishek Katoch received Silver medal while for standing first among the GC of Technical Entry Scheme Prasanjit Dutta received Silver medal. Mohammad Khalid Anwari of Afghanistan was adjudged the best all-round performer among the Foreign GC. The Chief of Army Staff banner was awarded to Sangro Company for standing overall first in the term of the course. Incidentally, this company won the coveted banner for the third consecutive term.
A spectacular fly-past by the three Chetak helicopters of the Army Aviation Wing marked the culmination of the parade. These helicopters carried the National Flag, Army flag and the IMA flag and showered flower petals on the parade and the spectators. The parade formally departed the Chetwode building with the Academy Adjutant lt Col Sudhakar Thakur mounting atop the charger (stallion) Rustam while seeking the approval of the review officer. The western portal of the Chetwode building has the Antim Pag (last step) and once the GCs pass out from this portal they become young officers.