Dehradun: In a grand ceremony marked by precision and pride, a total of 394 officer cadets from the 154th Regular Course and the 137th Technical Graduate Course, including 39 cadets from 10 friendly countries, graduated from the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on June 8, 2024. The cadets showcased inspiring enthusiasm and discipline, marching to the military tunes of ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ and ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ with perfection.
The Passing Out Parade was reviewed by Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command. He congratulated the officer cadets on the successful completion of their rigorous training and commended both the cadets and their instructors for the impeccable parade and the crisp, synchronized drill movements, reflecting the high standards of training and discipline instilled in the young officers.
In his address, Lt Gen Kumar highlighted the significance of the parade, describing it as the culmination of the cadets’ training and the commencement of their professional military careers. He emphasized the sacred nature of the pledge taken by the cadets to serve their nation, reminding them that this commitment would now precede all others. “The fact that you stand proud and strong today is testimony to the hard work and labour that you have put in to become an officer. The IMA is an elite institution that has harnessed your potential and has equipped you with all the knowledge and attributes befitting an officer,” he said.
The Reviewing Officer praised the Indian Army for having some of the best soldiers in the world, whose wisdom is derived from extensive combat and operational experience. He urged the new officers to lead with honour, serve with distinction, and inspire those around them with their unwavering commitment to duty.
Addressing the rapidly changing dynamics of modern warfare, Lt Gen Kumar underscored the impact of technological transformation on the character of combat. He pointed out that space, cyber, and cognitive domains are now integral to contemporary warfare, with information warfare, drones, autonomous systems, and the exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum becoming increasingly prevalent. He described these developments as wars of ideas, intellect, and innovation, urging the cadets to stay prepared and be at the forefront of these challenges.
“Remember the adage that it is the person behind the machine who matters the most. Physical fitness, mental agility, critical thinking, technical prowess, and a swift response to fluid situations will be the key to your success,” he concluded.