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New Delhi : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the passing out parade of Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, on DEcember 7, 2019, where 377 gentlemen cadets (GCs) of 145 Regular Course, 128 Technical Graduate Course, including 71 GCs from ten friendly countries passed out from the portals of the Academy.
Rajnath wished all the GCs on the Armed Forces Flag Day and said, “Today, the whole country is celebrating Armed Forces Flag Day. Therefore, you should also take oath that in the coming times you will keep the flag of our Armed Force high at all costs and circumstances.”
The Defence Minister said, “Pakistan, has made terrorism its state policy. Our neighbour has lost four times in direct fights; however, it is still not shying away from its sinister design. The whole world knows Pakistan was mastermind of 9/11 attacks and head of Al Qaida was found there. The whole world is also aware that terrorists of Lashkar-e-Toiba, who are perpetrators of 26/11, are in Pakistan.”
Exhorting the GCs, Rajnath said, “You have to be prepare yourself to fight terrorism bravely. Our government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy against terrorism, which has led to some positive results.”
The GCs displayed tremendous enthusiasm, vigour and zeal, and put up an excellent show, marching to Military tunes of ‘Col Bogey’, ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ and ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ with pride . Congratulating the GCs on successful completion of their training at IMA, Rajnath complimented them for the excellent parade, immaculate turnout as well as the energetic drill movements indicating high standards of training and discipline.
Rajnath also complimented the 71 Gentlemen Cadets from friendly counties, who have been in India and at IMA for one year. He said “I am sure, you as ambassadors of your country will carry back a treasure of good memories of the place and training with you and will cherish them for a lifetime.” Addressing the Passing out Course, Rajnath congratulated the GCs on their being commissioned into the Indian Army. He also praised the parents of the passing out course who had motivated their wards for having chosen such a Noble Profession to serve India.
Rajnath also announced that IMA will soon get two underpasses at a cost of Rs 42.32 crore. These underpasses will enhance the security of IMA and be convenient for general public, he said. He also presented the coveted award of the Sword of Honour and Gold Medal to Academy Under Officer Vinay Vilas Garad. Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was presented to Senior Under Officer Peekendra Singh. Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Keren Coy for standing Overall First amongst 16 companies for the Autumn Term 2019, according to a PIB release.