Dehradun, The Indian Military Academy, Dehradun held its 145th Regular Course Passing out Parade today morning. 306 Gentlemen Cadets along with 71 Foreign Cadets from friendly countries marched out as officers of the Army from the Academy.
Under a cloud speckled winter sky, with the magnificent Chetwode building in the background, 306 Gentlemen Cadets including 71 foreign cadet from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Tajakistan, Mauritus, Srilanka and Nepal took part in the Passing Out Parade, held in the Drill Square. Reviewing Officer at the Parade, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stood witness to this gallant show of heraldry and spoke about the courage and discipline in the army.
Also present were excited parents, wardens and guardians, some who had made their way from foreign shores to witness the three-hour programme. Parade inspection, sword of honour, piping and the oath ceremony, were memories captured on mobiles and cameras forever by cadets and their parents. The memorable moment when cadets cross the Chetwode threshold or antim pagh with rose petals being showered on them from choppers, as they become officers of the Army, was a sight to behold.
Taking into account, the NH74 being shut to regular traffic during the bi-annual Passing out Parade at the Indian Military Academy, causing difficulties to the man on the road, the Defence Minister sanctioned two underground passes at a cost of 33 crores which will connect the North, South and Centre Building, a move welcomed by all.
For decades now the Indian Military Academy has kept alive the glorious tradition of sending out the best men into the army. Joining this long queue of alumni are 306 gentlemen cadet, now officers of the army. For these young men it was never a glamorous vocation, but one that required raw courage and commitment and one that they worked hard for.
