- Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi reviews historic parade at Dehradun’s Drill Square
- Operation SINDOOR lessons underline future-ready leadership for modern warfare
- 34 foreign cadets from 14 nations graduate, strengthening global military bonds
- Sword of Honour and top merit awards cap a moment of pride and purpose
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
DEHRADUN, DEC 13
Clear the CDS, march into history. The Indian Military Academy once again turned aspiration into achievement as 525 Officer Cadets were commissioned into the Indian Army during the 157th Passing Out Parade, reviewed by Chief of the Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi at the iconic Drill Square.
Set against the Academy’s timeless motto, “Valour and Wisdom,” the ceremony marked the culmination of rigorous training and the beginning of a lifelong commitment to duty, honour and the nation.
Profession of Arms Is a Calling, not a Career: COAS
Dedication, sacrifice and ethical leadership key to command
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the Army Chief underscored that the profession of arms is a sacred calling, demanding selfless service and, when required, the supreme sacrifice.
He praised the Indian Military Academy’s legacy of producing leaders who have consistently upheld the highest traditions of courage, character and battlefield excellence. He also thanked the parents for their faith and sacrifice, calling them partners in the nation’s defence.
From Operation SINDOOR to Future Battlefields
Modern warfare demands adaptability, innovation and decisive leadership
Highlighting the evolving security landscape, the COAS pointed to Operation SINDOOR as an example of how contemporary conflicts demand seamless coordination between diplomacy and decisive military action.
He said future leaders will operate across military, technological and societal domains, requiring sound judgement under uncertainty. The newly commissioned officers, he noted, will play a pivotal role in the Army’s ongoing modernisation and innovation drive.
Lead from the Front, Inspire by Example
Moral courage, mentorship and composure under pressure stressed
The Army Chief exhorted young officers to lead by example, uphold ethical conduct, and become mentors and role models for their troops. He urged them to demonstrate moral courage, creative thinking and calm leadership during crises.
Invoking Chanakya, he reminded the officers that while life and material wealth are transient, Dharma—righteous duty—is eternal, and must guide every decision in uniform.
Global Camaraderie and Excellence Recognised
Top honours awarded; international bonds reinforced
A total of 525 Officer Cadets—from the Regular, Technical Entry, Technical Graduate, Special Commissioned Officers and Territorial Army courses—along with 34 cadets from 14 friendly foreign nations, were commissioned, reinforcing India’s defence partnerships.
Major Awards Presented
• Sword of Honour & Gold Medal – Academy Cadet Adjutant Nishkal Dwivedi
• Silver Medal – Battalion Under Officer Badal Yadav
• Bronze Medal – Senior Under Officer Kamaljeet Singh
• First in Order of Merit (TGC) – Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujeet Sampat
• First in Order of Merit (TES-46) – Wing Cadet Captain Abhinav Mehrotra
• Special Commission Officer Medal – Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri
• Foreign Cadet Medal – Junior Under Officer Mohammad Safin Ashraf (Bangladesh)
• Chief of the Army Staff Banner – Imphal Company
The parade concluded with the traditional ‘Antim Pag’, symbolising the cadets’ final step as trainees and their first as commissioned officers—ready to guard India’s sovereignty and future.
