504 cadets pass out of Indian Military Academy in Dehradun

Dehradun, Dec. 12 (ANI): A batch of 504 gentlemen cadets passed out of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) at a glittering ceremony in Dehradun on Saturday.

This year's batch includes 18 foreign cadets and 14 Assam Rifles GCs.

General Chatraman Singh Gurung, Nepal's Army Chief was present at the ceremony.

"It's been a great honour for me. I must thank Indian Army and the Government of India. It's a reflection of our friendship, between the army, between the government and between the people," said General Gurung.

During the ceremony, Under Officer Lieutenant Ravi Shukla was honoured with the Sword of Honour as well as the Gold Medal.

Senior Under- Officer Harshwardhan Pathak, Gentleman cadet Iqbaljit Singh and Rakesh Singh were honoured with silver, whereas Battalion cadet Adjutant Rohit Pandita was honoured with a bronze medal.

The cadets celebrated in the customary way by tossing their caps in the air to the sound of drums.

"I am feeling very happy and content after one and half years of vigorous training and passing out after that. When I was in standard eighth, my family and I myself dreamt of joining IMA. My grandfather was also from IMA. My father also tried, but he later joined police. So, I fulfilled his dream," said Lieutenant Alok Singh Bhandari.

The historic Chetwode Drill Square of the IMA reverberated with booming commands and the thumping of young, determined heels as enthusiastic parents, friends and relatives of the cadets watched the young men, soon to become commissioned officers of the Indian Army.

The Academy has a proud record of a large number of officers decorated for gallantries, who have passed out from within its portals, and has the distinction of training Gentlemen Cadets from many friendly foreign countries.

Located between the Shivalik and Himalayan foothills in the scenic and forested Doon valley, the campus of the IMA was established on October 1, 1932, with Brigadier I.P. Collins as commandant. (ANI)