Largest batch of cadets in four decades pass out of IMA

As per tradition, the cadets on parade joined the ranks of Indian Army officers when they marched to Auld Lang Syne and crossed “the final step” into the Chetwode Building.

Three Army helicopters — one Chetak and two Cheetah — also flew past from the drill square carrying the tricolour, and flags of the Army and the IMA.

The current batch was last of the truncated courses started after the Kargil conflict. Earlier, it was only during World War II and after the Chinese invasion in 1962, that the IMA ran truncated courses to meet the shortfall of officers. From January 2001, the fresh batch of cadets will have to undergo training for a full period of 18 months.

Admiral Kumar, who arrived at the parade riding a chariot presented by the Maharaja of Patiala to the IMA, was presented a Guard of Honour by the cadets. Among the 803 cadets, 21 are from foreign countries. Addressing the cadets, Admiral Kumar called upon them to uphold the IMA’s motto of “Valour and Wisdom” in their professional careers.

Addressing the gathering, the Naval Chief congratulated the cadets for opting this noble profession in which they would battle a variety of odds. He also thanked their parents for motivating them to serve their motherland.

Later, Admiral Kumar presented the prestigious Sword of Honour to officer N.S. Johal who was adjudged the best all-round gentleman cadet.

The gold medal was awarded to Vishal Singh for standing first in order of merit while the silver medal was presented to S.V. Singh. N.S. Johal also bagged the bronze medal. The Chief of Army Staff’s banner was won by Kohima Company for being the champion company of the spring term.

After the passing-out parade ceremony, it was time for “pipping”, when parents pin their ranks — a single star — on to the new officers’ epaulettes.

IT was a proud moment for Harbans Singh Johal, a bus conductor with the Punjab State Roadways, when he heard that his son had been chosen for the Sword of Honour award in the latest batch of gentlemen cadets to pass out of the Indian Military Academy here.

Harbans, who was already overwhelmed when his long cherished dream of making his son, Nachchattar Singh, an Army officer came true four years ago, said his happiness doubled when he heard that his son was selected as the Best All-Round Gentlemen Cadet.

“It was a long-cherished dream to see my son serve the nation. It has been fulfilled-by the grace of God,” said Harbans, his eyes filled with tears.

Hailing from Jandiala village in Jalandhar district of Punjab, Harbans said he had worked extra hard on State Roadways’ buses for years to meet his son’s expenses during training first at the National Defence Academy in Pune and then the IMA here.

Sword of Honour awardee Nachattar was equally emotional: “I owe my present status to my parents as they inspired me with patriotism while I was a child. For me, (becoming) a military officer is the best opportunity to serve the nation,” said 22-year-old Nachattar, who passed his senior secondary from the Kapurthala Sainik School.

When asked why he did not choose a profession more “lucrative” than a career in the Army, Harbans said: “Serving the nation is always more lucrative than satisfaction from material comforts.”

Moreover, he added, if money is the criterion for classifying professions into good and bad categories, military can certainly be put in the former. “My son, as 2nd lieutenant, will get around Rs 15,000 per month along with a host of other facilities,” he pointed out, “And that is hardly bad.” — UNI