Passing out of women officers from IMA portals a watershed moment for India: President
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The President of India Droupadi Murmu has said that the passing out of nine women officers from the portals of the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) is not only a milestone in the history of India’s defence forces but also an inspiring example of India’s march towards women-led development. She was addressing the passing out parade (POP) of the 158th Regular and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the IMA, Dehradun on Saturday. Terming the passing out of women officers as a watershed moment in the history of IMA, the President expressed confidence that many more women cadets will join the prestigious military academy. In her address, she congratulated the officer cadets on the successful completion of one of the most rigorous training programs in the country. She said that their courage and wisdom will be their strengths. The President also congratulated the cadets from friendly foreign countries and expressed confidence that they will bring many laurels to their armed forces and countries through their service and the values they have imbibed at IMA.
The President said that the presence of foreign cadets at IMA reflects India’s commitment to fostering friendship, cooperation and peaceful relations with countries across the world. “Cadets at this institution develop mutual trust, understanding and professional bonds that play an important role in strengthening defence cooperation among nations,’’ she said.
The President told officer cadets that they are the protectors of our nation’s sovereignty, unity and integrity. She stated that in an era of rapidly changing security challenges, technological advances and complex global environments, the Indian Army must remain adaptive and future-ready. She asked young officers to be lifelong learners, courageous decision-makers and ethical leaders.
The President said that as Army officers, the officer cadets will be responsible for leading, guiding and caring for the soldiers. They have to lead by example, inspire confidence and encourage the spirit of teamwork and dedication. By balancing operational effectiveness with the well-being of their soldiers, they will build trust and strengthen the fighting capability of the units they will lead. She said that they are expected to lead from the front, care for their soldiers and uphold the finest traditions of our Armed Forces.
