IMA POP Autumn Term 2023: 343 Officer Cadets Commissioned Into Indian Army; Gaurav Yadav Gets Sword Of Honour

The passing out parade (POP) for the Autumn term of the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) took place on December 9. A total of 372 Officer Cadets of 153 Regular Course and 136 Technical Graduate Course, including 29 Officer Cadets from 12 friendly foreign countries successfully passed out from the portals of the IMA.

The Officer Cadets displayed inspiring enthusiasm and zeal, and put up an excellent show, marching with perfection to Military tunes of `Col Bogey’, `Sare Jahan Se Achha’ and Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja with pride and élan reflecting in each step. They knew that their parents and loved ones were witnessing each step with great pride and affection including those watching the live coverage on various media platforms across the globe.

It was a matter of rare honour that General Shavendra Silva, WWV, RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, ndc, psc, MPhil, CDS, Sri Lanka Army was present as the Reviewing Officer of the Parade. He congratulated the Officer Cadets on successful completion of their training at IMA. He also, complimented the Instructors and Officer Cadets for the excellent parade, immaculate turnout as well as the crisp, synergised drill movements indicating high standards of training and discipline imbibed by the young leaders.

The Reviewing Officer, in his address to the passing out course said, “Handpicked from numerous youths across the country, the Indian Military Academy has moulded you into officers and, importantly, gentlemen. Remember, bearing the title of an Army Officer signifies a profound commitment to our motherland and its people. The path to becoming an officer is challenging, yet maintaining the conduct expected of officers is even more demanding. Your men will respect and salute the rank on your shoulders, but true leadership demands hard work, care for your team, sharing success, and facing failure on their behalf. Loyalty and integrity to our Nation, superiors, and subordinates are paramount.”

He further emphasised that, “Indian Army has forged its name, fame and respect of people of this country and worldwide as one of the Largest Army and one of the best, victorious Armies in the world, shedding sweat and blood, giving limbs and lives of great Indian Generals to Great Jawaans in peace and in war in the motherland or away. Also with the great thinking, unparalleled sacrifice and remarkable vision of great Indian Officers from Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw to Major Som Nath Sharma. Thus, already have enough reasons to be very proud of you. Now you it is your time follow their footsteps; the reputation they established as true sons of Mother India, now belongs to you”.

He then reiterated “Ahead of you lies your tour of duty in serving the motherland, the people and the humanity. In that, your commission is your authority, your training is your strength, competencies are cornerstones of your leadership, and more importantly, your integrity and loyalty is the force that decides how far you would go as an Officer of the Indian Army”

The Reviewing Officer presented the following awards :-

•The coveted Sword of Honour was presented to BUO Gaurav Yadav.

•Gold Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in Order of Merit was presented to BUO Gaurav Yadav.

•Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Second in Order of Merit was presented to BUO Sourabh Badhani.

•Bronze Medal for the Officer Cadet standing Third in Order of Merit was presented to BUO Alok Singh.

•Silver Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in Order of Merit from Technical Graduate Course was presented to OC Ajay Pant.

•Bangladesh Medal for the Officer Cadet standing First in Order of Merit from Friendly Foreign Country was presented to OC Sailesh Bhatta (Nepal).

•Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Kohima Company for standing Overall First amongst 12 companies for the Autumn Term 2023.

After reviewing the Parade, the CDS, Sri Lanka Army, laid wreaths and offered floral tributes to pay homage to the brave alumni of this prestigious training academy, during the Wreath Laying Ceremony held at the War Memorial, Indian Military Academy. The ‘Pipping Ceremony’, where the Officer Cadets don the ranks of Commissioned Officer, was carried out by their parents & loved ones. The Reviewing Officer, exhorted all to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation. He said, “you are just a step away from the historic and magnificent moment of your commissioning into the most elite forces”.