419 Indian, 32 foreign cadets pass out of the portals of IMA
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The Indian army received a boost on Saturday when 419 youngsters joined its ranks as fine young officers after passing out from the portals of the famed Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. The passing out contingent of 156 Regular Course (RC) and 45 Technical Entry Scheme and 139 Technical Graduate Course (TGC). A total of 32 officer cadets from nine friendly foreign countries were also part of the spectacular passing out parade ( PoP).
The parade which commenced with the marker’s call made from the top of the Chetwode building marched in coordination on the symphony of the military tunes of ‘Sare Jahan Se Acchha’ and Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’. At the end of the parade, the passing out contingent crossed the Antim Pag (the last step) which heralded the start of their career in the armed forces.
The reviewing officer (RO) of the parade was the Commander of the Army, Srilanka, lieutenant general Lasantha Rodrigo. He congratulated the GCs on successful completion of their training at IMA. The RO complimented the instructors and GCs for the excellent parade, immaculate turnout as well as the crisp, synergised drill movements indicating high standards of training and discipline imbibed by the young leaders.
The parade presented a ceremonial guard of honour to the RO who presented awards to the outstanding performers .
Addressing the passing out course, the RO, Lt Gen Rodrigo said that the core values of a soldier’s character are focusing on discipline, integrity, loyalty, and honour. Discipline, he said, is about self-mastery; integrity is doing right when unseen; loyalty extends beyond rank, and honour is the sacred trust the uniform represents – one to be guarded with utmost pride.
The general officer reminded the officer cadets that they now belong to an unbroken chain of patriots and warriors, urging them to wear the uniform not just with pride, but with purpose. Congratulating the award winners, he praised their exceptional effort and encouraged others to keep striving. He also acknowledged the foreign officer cadets, calling them ambassadors of IMA’s values like discipline, integrity, loyalty, honour, and brotherhood – that transcend borders.
The Chief of Sri Lanka Army said the IMA has not only shaped soldiers but future guardians of the nation. The RO urged the officer cadets to go forth and write their own chapter in the legacy of the IMA.
The Srilankan Army chief got nostalgic while stating, “I am deeply honoured and moved to the point of tears to stand before you as the first IMA alumnus to return as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and review this parade. Looking at your faces, I see my younger self. This place doesn’t just train officers; it forges bonds that last a lifetime.’’
”Being an officer is all about earning the quiet respect of those they lead. Respect isn’t granted with a commission, it’s earned daily through conduct, character, and choices,’’ he said.
Quoting the IMA Credo, the general officer highlighted the three unshakable responsibilities that every officer must uphold. First, to the nation – second, to their soldiers and third, to the families of our brave hearts.
After reviewing the parade the RO presented awards to the outstanding performers of the course. The coveted sword of honour and the silver medal for standing second in the order of merit was presented to Anni Nehra while the gold medal for the GC standing first in the order of merit was presented to Ronit Ranjan Nayak. The bronze Medal for standing third in the order of merit was presented to Anurag Verma.
The RO presented the silver medal for the GC standing first in the order of merit from TGC to Akash Bhadouriya.
The silver medal for the GC standing first in the order of merit in TES was presented to Kapil.
The medal for standing first in the order of merit from foreign country was presented to Nishan Balami from Nepal.
The chief of army staff banner was awarded to Keren Company for standing overall first amongst 12 companies for the Spring Term 2025.
