Platinum Jubilee celebrations of IMA kick off

Dehra Dun, Apr 8 (UNI) Platimum Jubilee celebrations of Indian Military Academy began with a curtain raiser by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), Dharmshala, on IMA premises last night.

''On 1 October, 2007, the Indian Military Academy will turn 75 years old. To commemorate this momentous occasion, IMA has planned an array of events spread over the year. The festivities would culminate with the Passing Out on 10 December, 2007,'' announced IMA Commandant Lt General PK Rampal.

Recalling the history of IMA, Gen Rampal apprised that the Academy was raised on 1 October, 1932 and was formally inaugurated on 10 December, 1932 by Sir Philip Chetwode. Ever since, it has earned a name for itself in the country and abroad as a premier military training establishment.

Listing the other events planned for this entire year, Gen Rampal said that in March-April, a Rafting Expedition would be held from Rudraprayag to Rishikesh and a short Micro Light Flying Expedition would make its way along Dehradun-Sarsawa-Kamal-Patiala-Chandigarh-Ambala and back to Doon.

Well known groups would perform vocal, instrumental and folk music, as well as plays.

In June-July, a Motorcycle Expedition would go from IMA to Siachen Base Camp and back to IMA. A Mountaineering Expedition will climb the Bhagirathi II Peak (21364 ft) and there would be a long Micro Light Expedition (NDA Pune to IMA, Dehradun). There would also be Variety Entertainment Programmes during these months.

In September-October, there would be a Multi Safari Expedition; first, a Motor Car Safari from IMA to Jaipur, second, a Horse Safari from Jaipur to Fatehpur, third, a Camel Safari from Fatehpur to Bikaner and fourth, a Gypsy Safari from Bikaner to IMA. There would also be a Trekking Expedition to the Satopant Glacier; a National Polo Tournament and a Son et Lumiere Show on the IMA. There would also be performances by various groups of performing arts.

In November and December, there would be an Aero Sports Display at the IMA of Micro light flying, para-gliding and para sailing.

Other activities would include publication of a First Day Cover and Commemorative Stamp, a Jubilee Souvenir, a Jubilee Golf Tournament and Symphonic Band Concerts by Naval, Air Force and Army Bands.

A ''Run for Fun'' was organised today in which school students, senior citizens too participated. Governor of Uttarakhand Sudarsan Agarwal awarded prizes to the winners.

IMA Commandant Ramphal expected that looking into the increasing requirement of Army officers in the country, it was likely that instead of 900 cadets being trained presently in IMA, 2500 cadets would be trained in the coming ten years.

UNI