Sunday, 25 June 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The batch had passed from the portals of academy in June 1971
The batchmates of 47 Regular and 31 Technical course of the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) who had passed out from the famed portals of the academy in June 1971 remained nostalgic during the two day reunion organised in the IMA on June 23 and 24.
The celebrations started with the wreath laying at the War Memorial which exemplified the spirit of the Indian Army.
A communiqué from the IMA said, “This batch of Army has produced 24 Army Generals, besides six Air Marshals and three Admirals in their parallel batches of Air Force and Indian Navy. It has produced a Vice Chief/ Army Commander and the Commandants of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy and Officers Training Academy. The batch can boast of the highest gallantry award of Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) in the face of the enemy, given to second lieutenant Lt Arun Khetarpal for his supreme sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War and equally esteemed peace-time awards of Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra proudly earned by Col NJC Nair for actions against insurgents on two separate occasions.
In addition, some who chose a second innings outside the service in the Forces, have done the Course proud. The names of Captain GR Gopinath, Col KJ Samuel, Col V Rawal and Col J Poovaiah are well known for their contribution in pioneering the advent of low-cost airlines in the Country. Besides many others, worth mentioning are Capt KJS Brar for his philanthropy and Lt Gen RS Sujlana, who was appointed as Chairman, Punjab Public Service Commission.’’
