Future fraught with challenges due to disruptive technologies: Nepal Army Chief

Reviews 155th passing out parade of the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, Updated At : 03:30 AM Dec 15, 2024 IST

Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel during the pipping ceremony of newly commissioned officers after the passing out parade at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun on Saturday. PTI

Reviewing the 155th passing out parade of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, Nepal’s Chief of the Army Staff, Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel today said the future environment for military leaders would be full of challenges due to the emergence of disruptive new technologies.

Urging cadets to be ready for such challenges, he said the job ahead was not easy and they faced a scenario that is invariably multi-domain, multi-theatre and multi-sectoral. He added that as they step into their new roles as military leaders, their endurance will be tested as they will be required to perform their duties in extreme climatic conditions.

Pointing out that military service demands a lifelong pursuit of growth and excellence, Gen Sigdel said valour will carry them through difficult times and wisdom will help them carve out the best path forward. He urged the new officers to serve their respective nations with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity.

A total of 491 cadets, including 35 from 13 friendly countries comprising the 155th Regular Course, 44th Technical Entry Scheme and the 138th Technical Graduate Course, were commissioned as Lieutenants.

The coveted Sword of Honour for being adjudged as the overall best cadet was awarded to Academy Cadet Adjutant Jatin Kumar, who also received the silver medal for standing second in the order of merit.

The gold medal for standing first in the order of merit was presented to academy under officer Pratham Singh, while the bronze medal for standing third went to battalion under officer Mayank Dhyani.

Chirag Yadav was placed first in the order of merit from the technical graduate course, while Mahipal Singh stood first in the technical entry scheme. The Bangladesh Medal for standing first amongst foreign cadets went to Prabin Pandey from Nepal.

The Nepal Army Chief also laid a wreath at the IMA War Memorial to pay tributes to the academy’s alumni who have made the supreme sacrifice and attended the ‘pipping ceremony’, where the cadets don the ranks of commissioned officers.