New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on December 7 reviewed the passing out parade of Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun where 377 gentlemen cadets (GCs) of 145 Regular Course, 128 Technical Graduate Course, including 71 GCs from 10 friendly countries passed out from the portals of the Academy.
Wishing them all success with the parade coinciding with the Armed Forces Flag Day, the Minister said “today, the whole country is celebrating Armed Forces Flag Day. Therefore, you should also take oath that in the coming times to come you will keep the flag of our Armed Force high at all costs and circumstances.”
Hitting out at Pakistan he said that country “has made terrorism its state policy. Our neighbour has lost four times in direct fights; however, it is still not shying away from its sinister design.” The whole world is aware it was Pakistan where mastermind of 9/11 attacks and head of Al Qaeda was found. The whole world is also aware that terrorists of Lashkar-e-Toiba, who are perpetrators of 26/11, are sitting there in Pakistan, he added.
Exhorting the cadets, the Minister said, “therefore, you have to prepare yourself to fight terrorism bravely. Our government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy against terrorism, which has led to some positive results.”
Congratulating the cadets on successful completion of their training at IMA, Singh complimented them for the excellent parade, immaculate turnout as well as the crisp and energetic drill movements indicating high standards of training and discipline imbibed by the young leaders.
He complimented the 71 Gentlemen Cadets from friendly countries, who have been in India and at IMA for one year. “I am sure, you as ambassadors of your country will carry back a treasure of good memories of the place and training with you and will cherish them for a lifetime. The IMA has imparted training to you which will form the bedrock for your growth both professionally and personally and will definitely strengthen the ties between our countries,” Singh said.
Congratulating the cadets on their being commissioned into the Indian Army in service of “our great nation,” he conveyed, that the country is indeed proud of each one of them who shall be passing out from the portals of IMA and take on the challenges that will require many sacrifices, trials and tribulations.
The Minister reminded them to always keep in mind the Chetwode Motto and the Honour Code while dealing with the formidable task of being military leaders of the future. He praised the parents of the cadets who had motivated their wards for having chosen such a Noble Profession to serve India and stand between any threat that the country might be required to counter.
He announced that IMA will soon get two underpasses. These would cost Rs 42.32 crore. These underpasses will enhance the security of IMA and be convenient for general public.
The Minister presented the coveted award of the Sword of Honour and Gold Medal to Academy Under Officer Vinay Vilas Garad. Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was presented to Senior Under Officer Peekendra Singh. Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Keren Coy for standing Overall First among 16 companies for the Autumn Term 2019.
