89 GCs from friendly foreign countries also pass out of the portals of the IMA
Sunday, 12 June 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
The formidable Indian army received a major accretion in its strength on Saturday when 288 young officers joined its ranks after the passing out parade (PoP) at Indian Military Academy (IMA) here on Saturday. Apart from them, 89 Foreign Gentlemen Cadets (FGCs) belonging to eight friendly countries of India also passed out of the portals of the prestigious academy. These officers were part of 150 Regular and 133 Technical Graduate courses of IMA.
The marching contingent led by Gentleman Cadet Mausam Vats marched to the drill square when the marker’s call was sounded by five markers stationed atop the historic Chetwode hall.
The parade marched in perfect harmony to the tunes of “Col Bogey”, “Sare Jahan Se Acha” and “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja”. The synergy and enthusiasm of the cadets during the parade was applauded by the audience which consisted of military officers, their families, government officers and family members of the newly commissioned officers.
The reviewing officer of the parade was General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC in C) of South Western Command, Lieutenant General Amardeep Singh Bhinder. A ceremonial guard of honour was presented to the RO who rode the carriage donated to IMA by Maharaja of Patiala in 1979, to arrive at the drill square.
He congratulated the GCs on successful completion of their training at IMA. He also complimented the instructors and GCs for their parade, turnout and the crisp, synergised drill movements.
After the parade, the RO presented awards to the GCs. The prestigious Sword of Honour was presented to GC Mausam Vats. The audience was thrilled when army helicopters flew past the drill square showering petals over the marching contingent when it entered the Chetwode building for the ceremonial Antim Pag (last step). This step marks their metamorphosis into an officer of Indian Army from 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 after which the stadium erupted in celebrations as young officers celebrated their new status as officers of India Army after the end of an arduous training of one year.
