616 cadets graduate from IMA

616 Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) graduated from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun on Saturday.

Navy Chief Admiral Robin Kumar Dhowan, who reviewed the passing out parade held on Drill Square in front of the historic Chetwood building, said that he was honoured to have been invited to the passing out parade of the 136th Regular Course at the IMA.

During his address, Admiral Dhowan said the officers must be 'mentally alert and physically strong' to be able to carry out their duties successfully.

One of the officers, who graduated today, described the event as a very 'joyous and happy one' for both him and his family.

"It is extremely joyous and happy moment for me and my family. We all had been working hard here in the past one and a half year. We have been training, doing different sorts of hardships, handling different sorts of conditions to train ourselves to meet the needs of the nation and lead our men from the front," he said.

Out of the 616 Gentlemen Cadets, 71 were foreign cadets from 11 friendly nations, including Afghanistan, Tazakistan and Bhutan among others.

The most numbers of foreign cadets were 44 from Afghanistan.

Khalid Pameli, from Afghanistan, who also graduated from the IMA today expressed his gratitude towards the Indian Government for its support towards his nation.

"I am really very thankful to the Indian Government, which has been supporting our nation from past to present," said Pameli.

The 'Sword of Honour' was awarded to Ishan Shinghal for the best all-round performer among all Gentlemen Cadets.

Ajay Kumar Pathak was awarded the gold medal, Ashish Kapoor the silver and Naveen Janu the bronze for standing first, second and third respectively in the regular course.

The two-hour programme included a parade inspection, sword of honour, piping and oath ceremony.