The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that Pakistan has made terrorism as part of its state’s policy. He was addressing the passing out parade (PoP) of Gentlemen Cadets (GC) at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) here on Saturday. The defence minister was the Reviewing Officer (RO) of the parade.
“Even after being defeated repeatedly, our strange neighbour is not learning lessons. We have witnessed terrorist attacks like 9/11 and 26/11, after which no civilised country has any sympathy for terrorism. The world knows that mastermind of 9/11 attack was found in Pakistan. World also knows that the members of terrorist group responsible for the attacks of 26/11, are also in Pakistan. The families of 166 casualties in the Mumbai attack will get justice on the day when these terrorists will get their due punishment.”
On being as RO of the PoP the Defence Minister said that it is a matter of great pride to him to witness the event.
“In your measured yet steady steps, I could also see a picture a safe and secure India.The hard work and determination you have put through in your training can be seen here. The ability to walk shoulder to shoulder with each other is what makes our Army unique,’’ he told the young officers. Rajnath said that China is supporting the global front against terrorism.
On the day, the prestigious academy lived up to its reputation of supplying fine young officers to Indian Army when 306 Indian and 71 Foreign Gentlemen Cadets passed out of its famed portals. These cadets belonged to 145 Regular and 128 Technical Graduate Course (TGC).
In the backdrop of rising sun in the horizon on a cold winter morning, the majestic POP commenced with the markers call from the top of the historic Chetwode building.
The parade marched in perfect coordination on the symphony of the Military tunes of “Col Bogey” and “Sare Jahan Se Acha”. The synergy, enthusiasm, crisp movements and turnout of the cadets during the parade was regularly applauded by the large number of military and civil dignitaries and family members of the newly commissioned officers.
The parade presented a ceremonial guard of honour to the RO, IMA Commandant Lt Gen S K Jha and deputy Commandant and chief instructor of IMA, Major General G S Rawat. The chief minister of Uttarakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat was also present on the occasion.
The reviewing officer presented the prestigious Sword of Honour to Vinay Vilas Garad for being adjusted best all round GC. He was also awarded the Gold Medal for the GC standing First in the Overall Order of Merit. The Silver Medal for standing second in the Order of Merit was presented to Peekendra Singh while the Bronze Medal for standing third in order of merit was presented to Dhruv Mehla. The silver medal for standing first in the order of Merit from Technical Graduate Course was conferred upon Shiv Raj Singh. The silver medal for being best Foreign Gentlemen Cadet (FGC) was presented to Kuenzang Wangchuk of Bhutan. The coveted ‘Chief of Army Staff Banner’ was awarded to Keren Company for standing Overall First among 16 companies for the Autumn term 2019.
After the POP, the newly commissioned officers headed to the sprawling Somnath stadium for the peeping ceremony. In this ceremony the proud parents of these officers put the epaulets on their shoulders. The newly commissioned officers took oath to serve the nation till their last breath.
After the peeping ceremony celebrations erupted in the stadium as the young officers congratulated each other by jumping, energetic push-ups and hugging each other.
