454 Gentleman Cadets pass out of IMA

DEHRADUN: As many as 454 Gentleman Cadets (GCs) of 139 Regular Course and 122 Technical Graduate Course, including 53 foreign Gentleman Cadets from eight foreign countries took the ‘Antim Pag’ (final step) at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in an impressive passing-out parade here today.

The IMA was abuzz with elation, enthusiasm and emotion after the passing-out parade in Dehradun on Saturday. photos: Vinod pundir

Himanshu Kumar Lall

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 10

As many as 454 Gentleman Cadets (GCs) of 139 Regular Course and 122 Technical Graduate Course, including 53 foreign Gentleman Cadets from eight foreign countries took the ‘Antim Pag’ (final step) at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in an impressive passing-out parade here today.

Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen NPS Hira reviewed the parade.

The parade began with a march at the drill square in front of the Chetwode Hall. The parade commander, Academy Cadet Adjutant (ACA) Pratyush Kumar Mohanty, along with GCs in different contingents, entered into the drill square. The cadets exhibited their flawless drill skills in a ceremonial march past on the tunes of ‘Col Bogey and Sare Jahan Se Achacha’.

Lt Gen Hira, while addressing the cadets, said the passing-out day was historic for Gentlemen Cadets. The precise and steady drill movements enthused me to congratulate GCs on their impeccable turnout, outstanding bearing and exceptional standard of drill, he said. “GCs should leave no stone unturned to maintain high standards of commitment, courage and compassion while serving the country,” he said.

The Sword of Honour and bronze medal for standing third in the order of merit was awarded to ACA Pratyush Kumar Mohanty, while the gold medal for standing first in the overall order of merit was presented to BUO Malla Rama Gopal Naidu. The silver medal for standing second was presented to BUO Suyash Gupta. The silver medal for standing first in the order of merit from Technical Graduate Course was presented to JUO Deepak Singh and the silver medal for standing first in the order of merit from Foreign GCs was presented to TUO George Prince Karki.

The Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Alamein Company for bagging the title of overall first among 16 companies for the autumn term 2016.

Emotion ran high among cadets’ parents, relatives and friends as it was a proud moment for them as well.

IMA Commandant Lt Gen SK Saini, Deputy Commandant Maj Gen Mandip Singh and serving and retired officers were present.