- President reviews Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy as young officers step into one of the nation’s most sacred responsibilities
- Calls upon officer cadets to remain adaptive, future-ready and lifelong learners amid rapidly evolving security challenges
- Hails induction of nine women cadets as a watershed moment that reflects India’s march towards women-led development
- Says every young officer carries the trust of 140 crore Indians and must lead with courage, integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 13
Delivering an inspiring message of courage, leadership and national service, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday urged the newest generation of Army officers to remain adaptive, future-ready and ethical leaders while reminding them that they carry the sacred trust of over 140 crore Indians.
Reviewing the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, the President congratulated the officer cadets for successfully completing one of the country’s most demanding military training programmes and embarking on a lifetime of service to the nation.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the President said their courage and wisdom would become their greatest strengths as they assume leadership responsibilities in an increasingly complex security environment.
She described the induction of nine women cadets into the graduating batch as a landmark development in the Academy’s illustrious history.
“This is a watershed moment in the history of IMA. It is not only a milestone in the history of India’s defence forces but also an inspiring example of India’s march towards women-led development.”
Expressing confidence that many more women would join the Academy in the coming years, the President said their growing participation would further strengthen the armed forces and reflect the nation’s commitment to inclusive progress.
She also congratulated the cadets from friendly foreign countries and expressed confidence that they would uphold the highest military values while bringing honour to their respective nations.
The President observed that the presence of international cadets at the Indian Military Academy reflects India’s enduring commitment to friendship, cooperation and peaceful engagement with nations across the world.
She noted that the bonds forged during military training help strengthen mutual trust, professional understanding and long-term defence cooperation among partner countries.
Underscoring the enormous responsibility entrusted to every Army officer, the President reminded the graduating cadets that they would stand as guardians of India’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
“You are the protectors of our nation’s sovereignty, unity and integrity. You carry the sacred trust of over 140 crore citizens.”
Calling upon them to place national service above all else, she added:
“Remember that service is the highest duty.”
Highlighting the rapidly changing nature of warfare and global security dynamics, the President urged the young officers to embrace continuous learning and innovation throughout their careers.
“In an era of rapidly changing security challenges, technological advances and complex global environments, the Indian Army must remain adaptive and future-ready.”
She exhorted the graduating officers to become leaders capable of making courageous decisions while upholding the highest ethical standards.
“Be lifelong learners, courageous decision-makers and ethical leaders.”
The President further emphasised that leadership in the Army extends far beyond operational command and includes the responsibility of mentoring, protecting and inspiring every soldier under their command.
She reminded the young officers that the strength of any military unit is built on trust, teamwork and compassion.
“As Army officers, you will be responsible for leading, guiding and caring for the soldiers. You have to lead by example, inspire confidence and encourage the spirit of teamwork and dedication.”
She stressed that balancing operational excellence with the welfare of soldiers would significantly enhance the fighting capability of every unit.
“By balancing operational effectiveness with the well-being of your soldiers, you will build trust and strengthen the fighting capability of the units you will lead.”
Concluding her address, President Droupadi Murmu urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold the finest traditions of the Indian Armed Forces through exemplary leadership and selfless service.
“You are expected to lead from the front, care for your soldiers and uphold the finest traditions of our Armed Forces.”
The Passing Out Parade marked the culmination of months of intense physical, tactical and leadership training, formally inducting a new generation of military leaders dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s security, honour and sovereignty.
