A spectacular Commandants’ parade marking the culmination of training of 519 Indian and 59 foreign gentlemen cadets from six friendly foreign countries was held at the Drill Square situated in front of the historic Chetwode Hall at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) on Thursday. The reviewing officer of the majestic parade was Officiating Commandant of IMA, Major General YS Mahiwal.
The parade which is like a full dressed rehearsal for the Passing out Parade (POP) scheduled for Saturday, marched out with the sounding of bigule from the top of the Chetwode building on a chilly winter morning in wee hours of Thursday. The marching contingents of 137 Regular course and 120 Technical Graduate Course (TGC) received regular applause for perfect coordination and smart turn out.
The reviewing officer complimented the Gentleman Cadets for their crisp movements and impressive parade which indicated a high level of motivation, pride and the cohesion achieved during training at IMA. In his final address to the GCs and FGC as the Chief Mentor, the Officiating Commandant, Major General Mahiwal urged them to grow and empower themselves while following the Training Motto ‘Nischaye Kar Apni Jeet Karo” (ensuring victory) in all spheres of life and profession with righteous attitude. The Officiating Commandant emphasised on the need of promoting and strengthening soldiering. He advised GCs, who would soon become officers lead the men under them with personal example and empathy. He wished all GCs and FGCs the very best in the years ahead.
A large number of school children, NCC cadets, local citizens and army personnel with their friends and families witnessed the spectacular show.
Drill square at IMA epitomizes discipline in the academy where cadets sweat out throughout their training session to learn the finer skills of bearing, marching and turnout, the essentials of a disciplined soldier.