“The safety, honour and welfare of your country comes first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last,’’ said Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode, while inaugurating the Indian Military Academy (IMA) on December 10, 1932.
Seventy years later,the IMA is set to give itself a new Code of Warriors, plus a sea change.
The IMA also proposes to revert to two-year training for Gentlemen Cadets. The new Code of Warriors goes thus: I am a warrior, fighting is my Dharma, I will train my mind body and spirit to fight, I will excel in all devises and weapons of war…I will always protect the weak, I will be truthful to bluntness, I will be humane, cultured and compassionate, I will…embrace the consequences. God give me strength that I ask nothing of you.’’