Dehra Dun, December 10
Singing full-throated the age-old Army song “Kadam kadam bharaye ja...’’ followed by the National Anthem, 572 cadets formally passed out of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) at a tradition-laced parade ceremony here this morning where elaborate horse-drawn carriages ferried top dignitaries and helicopters showered petals on the cadets gathered outside the historic Chetwode building. This year the IMA also celebrates its 70th anniversary.

The three-hour long ceremony was attended by several top defence personnel and hundreds of enthusiastic parents who were eager to capture the moments on camera. Also in the gathering were actress-turned Rajya Sabha MP, Ms Shabana Azmi and her writer husband Javed Akhtar. The parade reviewing officer this year was Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who, in his trademark twirled mustache, minced no words as he addressed the cadets.

The Field Marshal said: ‘‘Since I passed out almost 70 years ago, things like communication and guns mobility have changed a lot. We had to go into enemy lines to find out about gun positions now the satellite does the job. But one thing has not changed and that is that you are required to secure the security of the country. You have to fight. There is no room for a loser. If you lose do not come back. If you return as a loser even your ‘gharwali’ will despise you,’’ he said. In his seven-minute speech, the Field Marshal told the cadets that they would not be rich, but would be respected.

The cadets had lined up behind the Chetwode building about 30 minute before the function was to begin. The spectators’ gallery was also full by 9 a.m. It was also time for trainers to crack a typical joke before the cadets went off for a parade.

Deputy Commandant Ashok Kapoor took the salute followed by the Commandant, Lieut-Gen Tajinder Singh Shergill, who arrived in a horse carriage accompanied by his wife. Since he is from 9 Deccan Horse, he took the salute astride a horse in all its finery. The next to arrive was the Chief of Army Staff followed by the Field Marshal. He also came in a carriage.

For the salute the, Field Marshal raised his baton which had an Ashoka emblem fixed on top. He reviewed the parade while sitting in the carriage. As he presented the “Colours” of the Chief of Staff to the Imphal Company, the clock on the Chetwode building chimed. Within minutes, three helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps streamed out, showering yellow-coloured petals on the cadets as media photographers and parents went in a frenzy clicking pictures.