Sunday, 13 June 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
The prevailing pandemic of Covid -19 and the tough protocols adopted by the Indian Military Academy (IMA) was evident in this year’s passing out parade. However the scaled down ceremony retained the old grandeur it is known for. To conform to the Covid- 19 prevention protocols, the drill formation of the parade was adapted to maintain requisite distance between the files and columns while executing the drill movements over the reverberating drill square against the impressive backdrop of the historic Chetwode building. Everyone was seen wearing masks and adhering to the social distancing norms in the ceremony.
As per the protocol of Covid- 19, the parents and relatives of the young officers were not allowed in the event. The pipping ceremony, which is traditionally done by the parents of the GCs, was carried out by the staff, instructors and their families. In this ceremony the epaulets are pinned on the shoulders of the young officers.
The awards
The reviewing officer presented the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ to Mukesh Kumar who also received the ‘Silver medal’ for standing second in order of merit.
Academy Under Officer Deepak Singh was awarded the ‘Gold Medal’ for the GC standing first in the overall order of merit. The ‘Bronze Medal’ for standing third in order of merit was presented to Loveneet Singh.
The ‘Silver Medal’ for being best in the order of merit from ‘Technical Graduate Course’ was conferred upon Daksh Kumar Pant.
The ‘Silver medal’ for being the best Foreign Gentlemen Cadet (FGC) was presented to Kilney Norbu. The coveted ‘Chief of Army Staff Banner’ was awarded to Dograi Company for standing overall first among 16 companies for the spring term 2021.
Foreign Gentlemen Cadets
The passing out contingent had 84 Foreign Gentlemen Cadets (FGC) belonging to nine countries who are friendly with India. Afghanistan with 43 young officers had the highest number of FGCs while Bhutan had 18 FGCs in the contingent. In third position was Tajikistan with 13 FGCs. Mauritius had four, Vietnam two while Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Tonga had one FGCs each in the passing out contingent.
