The Commandant’s parade which marked culmination of training of 382 Indian and 77 Gentlemen Cadets from nine friendly foreign countries of Spring term, 2019 was organised at historic ‘Chetwode Drill square’ of Indian Military Academy (IMA) on Thursday.
The Commandant of the IMA, Lieutenant General S K Jha was the reviewing officer of the parade. In his address, he complimented all the Gentlemen Cadets (GC) for an immaculate turnout and excellent drill movements, which indicated a high level of motivation, pride and cohesion achieved by them during their training at IMA. He also congratulated everyone for being on the verge of completing the training successfully.
While exhorting that the Army’s reputation rests firmly on their shoulders, the IMA Commandant said that they have earned this honour with hard work and they need to retain it by living up to the Army’s core values of ‘Character, Competence, Commitment and Compassion’. “These values are reflected in the IMA’s Code of Conduct and Gentlemen Cadets aspiring to high ideals and pursuing excellence, must demonstrate these at all times,’’ he said.
The General officer also extended his compliments to 77 GCs from the friendly foreign countries for having endured the rigorous regimen of the training, exhibiting excellent transformation. He said that these FGC are now ready to don the ranks in their respective armies, as most refined officers. The Lt General added that the strong bond of togetherness that they have developed in IMA shall foster into a concerted effort towards countering the umpteen global challenges the world faces today.
In the end, he encouraged the GCs to put their best foot forward for the final Passing out Parade (PoP) and wished them the very best in the years ahead.
A large number of school children from Dehradun and neighbouring cities, local citizens and Army personnel with their families and friends witnessed the impressive parade.