'Training for war is a continuous process'

A total of 432 gentlemen cadets passed out of the Indian Military Academy this year
Addressing the passing out cadets at the IMA on June 14, defence minister George Fernandes said that soon they would join one of the finest armies in the world. Earlier, Fernandes reviewed the passing out parade of 112 regular, 95 technical graduates, SCO-10, TES-1 Courses and GCs of friendly foreign countries.A total of 432 gentlemen cadets, which includes 277 from the regular course, 90 from technical graduates course, seven from SCO-10, 43 from TES-1 and 14 from friendly countries, passed out on this occasion.
The parade gave the first general salute to Major General Ashok Kapur, deputy commandant and chief instructor. Thereafter, Lt General T.S. Shergill, IMA, commandant, was given the general salute.
After receiving the general salute, Fernandes inspected the parade accompanied by parade commander academy cadet adjutant Raj Singh Duhan and Lt General T.S. Shergill. The colour party was led by senior under officer Gaurav Kitchlu from the 112 Regular Course.
The reviewing officer gave away the awards to the best of the best.
Battalion under officer Antony Joseph won the Sword of Honour and the bronze medal. The gold medal was won by academy cadet adjutant Raj Singh Duhan. The silver medal was won by battalion cadet adjutant Ajit Khatri. The technical silver medal was awarded to junior under officer Rajinder Singh. The TES-1 silver medal went to wing cadet adjutant, Gagan Singh. The Chief of the Army Staff Banner was awarded to Zojila Company.
Three Chetak helicopters showered flower petals over the gentlemen cadets bidding adieu to their alma mater and extending a warm welcome to the officer cadre.
After the parade at the drill square and crossing of the final step at the Chetwode Building, the gentlemen cadets awaited the most exciting moment of their lives, the Pipping Ceremony. They were pipped by their parents, relatives and friends and became part of the Army, at last. The cadets of friendly foreign countries were pipped by Fernandes, Lt General AM Mosakeng, Commander of the Lesotho Defence Forces of South Africa, Lt General TS Shergill and Rindi Shergill. Fourteen foreign cadets passed out this time, including 10 from Bhutan, three from Maldives and one from Lesotho.
This was followed by the oath-taking ceremony, wherein Lt Colonel Arvind Bhatia, the adjutant of the academy, administered the oath in the presence of the defence minister and IMA Commandant. The newly commissioned officers expressed their ecstatic joy by tossing their caps into the air.