NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, SEPT 8
A total of 258 officer cadets and 39 women officer cadets were commissioned into the Indian Army at a spectacular ceremony at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, on Saturday. The ‘Passing Out Parade’ was held at the Parameshwaran Drill Square of the institute and was reviewed by the Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani.
10 officer cadets and five officer cadets (women) from friendly foreign countries also completed their training successfully, fostering bonds of camaraderie and cooperation across international borders, the OTA said.
- Under the esteemed patronage of Lieutenant General Michael AJ Fernandez, Commandant, OTA Chennai, the occasion unfolded with a series of breathtaking displays, leaving an everlasting impression on all the guests and relatives of Officer Cadets of the passing out Course
- 297 officers commissioned into Indian Army
- Lead by example, have the courage to make tough decisions, compassion to listen to the needs of others and earn the respect of your command: Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani
The parade marked the culmination of almost a yearlong grueling training for them in the premier institute.
Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff, #IndianArmy encouraged the Officer Cadets after the spectacular #PassingOutParade at #OfficersTrainingAcademy, Chennai on 07 Sept 2024. 312 Officer Cadets including 15 from Foreign Countries passed out@artrac_ia I @adgpi pic.twitter.com/aS6OnEhU3Y
— Defence PRO Chennai (@Def_PRO_Chennai) September 7, 2024
The officer cadets belonged to the 118th batch of the Short Service Commission course and the 32nd batch of the Short Service Commission Course (women) and other equivalent courses in the institute. The significant event, steeped in tradition and reverence, marked their transformation into the future leaders of the Indian Army. The parade of the qualifying officer cadets captivated the spectators as they marched in perfect harmony, with martial tunes playing in the backdrop.
Lt General NS Raja Subramani presented the Sword of Honour to the Battalion Under Officer (BUO) Samrath Singh, OTA gold medal to BUO Simran Singh Rathi, silver medal to Academy Under Officer Tanishka Damodran and the bronze medal to Academy Cadet Adjutant Devesh Chandra Joshi.
The Vice Chief of Army Staff, in his address, lauded the officer cadets and the OTA staff for their exemplary achievements, exhorting the newly commissioned officers to uphold the cardinal military values of ‘Selfless Service to the Nation’ and steadfast pursuit of excellence in all endeavours.
“You are privileged to soon be in command of some of the finest soldiers in the world. These troops are your most valuable asset. You are now entrusted with their lives and well-being. Therefore, train and equip your command with the necessary skills, discipline and fortitude, to be combat ready,” he urged.
Also, the Vice Chief of Army Staff called upon them to keep honing their skills and qualities as a leader. “Lead by example, have the courage to make tough decisions, compassion to listen to the needs of others and earn the respect of your command,” he said.
Further, they should acknowledge the contribution and congratulate their parents, he added.
In a stunning display of training proficiency, the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, hosted a scintillating Multi-Activity Display.
Under the esteemed patronage of Lieutenant General Michael AJ Fernandez, Commandant, OTA Chennai, the occasion unfolded with a series of breathtaking displays, leaving an everlasting impression on all the guests and relatives of Officer Cadets of the passing out Course.
The event unfolded with a power packed exhibition of Physical Training Display, highlighting the Academy’s commitment to excellence in physical fitness.
This was followed by a breath taking display of the Army Martial Art Regime (AMAR) and an enchanting performance by the Military Band, captivating the audience with their musical extravaganza.
The martial art form Kalaripayattu, originating from Kerala’s Malabar region, was a harmonious blend of dance, martial music and physical dexterity, leaving the spectators spellbound.
The Equestrian Display, featuring Officer Cadets and Riding Instructors of the Horse Riding Club, exemplified a remarkable harmony and synchronization between the horses and the riders, with display of precision and agility that mesmerised the audience. The Aeromodel exhibition by the Officer Cadets further elevated the spectacle, highlighting innovation and skill in aerial maneuvers.
The grand finale, was Dhawa Display, depicting bayonet fight skills of Officer Cadets in a close-quarter battle scenario, showcasing the ferocious spirit and proficiency of the Officer Cadets that left no doubt about their readiness for the challenges ahead.
Lieutenant General Michael AJ Fernandez felicitated all participants and expressed admiration for their exemplary skills, at the time of culmination of the event.
