Sunday, 11 June 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Indian army got a fresh infusion of young blood as 332 young officers joined its ranks after passing out from the portals of the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) on Saturday. The passing out contingent belonged to 152 Regular Course and 135 Technical Graduate Course, and included 42 Gentleman Cadets from seven friendly foreign countries. A marker’s call made from atop the Chetwode Hall marked the commencement of the majestic parade. The parade marched in harmony to the tunes of “Col Bogey” and “Sare Jahan Se Acha”. The synergy and enthusiasm of the cadets during the parade was applauded by the audience which consisted of military officers and family members of the newly commissioned officers.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pandey was the chief guest and Reviewing Officer (RO) of the PoP. A ceremonial guard of honour was presented by the parade to him.
The PoP marks the culmination of rigorous training at IMA which imparts training in leadership, self-discipline and the art of war. The Army chief complimented the parade commander and participants for the immaculate turnout as well as the crisp and synergised drill movements indicating high standards of training and discipline imbibed by the young leaders. He also complimented the instructors and staff at IMA for the high standards of training being imparted to future leaders of the Army.
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The COAS presented the prestigious sword of honour to Mihir Banerjee and the gold medal for standing first in order of merit in the regular course was presented to Abhimanyu Singh. The silver medal for standing second in overall merit in regular course was handed over to Mihir Banerjee while the bronze medal for GC standing third in order of merit from the regular course was presented to Kamalpreet Singh. In the Technical Graduate Course, Sury Bhan Singh was presented with a Silver medal for standing first in overall merit. Kinga Lhendup of Bhutan was bestowed with a Bangladesh medal for being the best Foreign Gentlemen Cadet (FGC) of the POC. The Chief of Army Staff banner was handed over to the Cassino Company for standing first among 12 companies of the academy in the Spring term- 2023.
When the marching contingent entered the Chetwode building for the ceremonial Antim Pag (last step) it marked the metamorphosis of GCs into an officer of the Indian Army from a cadet of academy. After the POP, the contingent headed to sprawling Somnath stadium for a pipping ceremony where proud parents put epaulets of officers on the shoulders of young officers. After this ceremony the young officers took oath to serve the nation. These newly commissioned young lieutenants will be joining their respective units all across the country, including the northern and western borders.
