Must deal with security challenges of 'knowledge era': President

Asking the armed forces to be well acquainted in dealing with the challenges of the ‘knowledge era’, president Pratibha Patil today said threats to the country’s security were “constantly changing”.

“The nature of warfare on the battlefield is constantly changing, as indeed are the various threats to our national security,” she said.

Patil was speaking to the 546 ‘gentleman cadets’ who passed out of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) here after a glittering martial ceremony.

“The army today must be fighting fit, and, at the same time, well acquainted to deal with the challenges of the knowledge era we are living in,” said Patil, who had arrived in the city a day before to officiate the event. She also urged the young officers to keep their conduct “high and impeccable” and fall back to the IMA’s motto of keeping honour and welfare of the country first, when “faced with doubts, temptations, dilemmas and uncertainties.”

“Being officers of the Indian Army requires that your character, discipline and integrity is absolute and unyielding. I urge you to keep your conduct and demeanour high and impeccable, and be an example for others to emulate,” Patil told the young officers who stood in a parade formation in the backdrop of the historic and iconic and ‘Chetwode Hall’.

The president asked the officers, including 17 from foreign countries and two from Nepal, to not only display their role of warriors, but also act as agents of peace and succour.

“Dear cadets, as young officers of the time-honoured Indian Army, your basic role is that of a warrior and a protector. However, you also have to act as a provider — a provider of succour, peace and hope to citizens in times of disaster, calamity and distress. Wherever you are posted and in whatever capacity, always remember you are an integral pillar of this vast edifice of our nation. The stronger the pillar, the stronger the nation,” she said.

The president, also the supreme commander of the armed forces, said the officers should keep themselves updated about new technologies and scientific developments.

“The application of science and technology in the field of defence preparedness and warfare is essential for the effectiveness of the armed forces. You, as future leaders, must keep yourself abreast of new and emerging technologies, new-age weapons and concepts of technology-driven warfare. Never ever let the lack of knowledge and preparedness stand in the way of you performing your dharma, the dharma of a warrior,” she said.

She also asked the young officers to be leaders with great qualities. “Always remember that a leader is not only mentally and physically tough, but also open to new ideas and can be calm and composed in difficult situations. And most importantly, someone who can have the trust of those he leads. I exhort you to do what it takes to develop this trust and confidence, and instill a deep spirit of unity of purpose in your team. Our armed forces have had a number of such officers, who throughout their career showed the way through their sterling leadership,” she said.

Cadets from Bhutan, Mongolia, Maldives, Mauritius, Tajikistan and Nepal were the members of the passing out squad this time. Uttarakhand governor Margaret Alva, chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and army chief V K Singh were also present.