The fourth Passing Out Parade of the Short Service Commission (Technical Entry) Men and Women courses was conducted at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya, on Saturday, marking the commissioning of 253 Officer Cadets into the Indian Army.
The Passing Out Parade witnessed 218 Officer Cadets of SSC (Tech) Men-65 and 35 Officer Cadets of SSC (Tech) Women-36 marching through the historic Antim Pag, signifying the culmination of their rigorous military training and their transition into commissioned leadership.
Lieutenant General Le Van Huong, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Vietnam People’s Army, reviewed the parade. The immaculate turnout, precise drill movements and synchronised marching by the Officer Cadets reflected the high standards of discipline, cohesion and military bearing instilled during their training.
Awards for Excellence:
The Reviewing Officer conferred medals and honours upon Officer Cadets who distinguished themselves through exceptional performance during training.
Academy Under Officer P Shashi Kumar was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour for being adjudged the Best All-rounder. He also secured the Gold Medal for standing First in the Overall Order of Merit. He has been commissioned into the Gorkha Rifles.
Battalion Under Officer Deepak Singh Rawat was awarded the Silver Medal for securing Second position in the Overall Order of Merit and has been commissioned into the Rajput Regiment.
Academy Cadet Adjutant Navneet Singh secured Third position in the Overall Order of Merit and was awarded the Bronze Medal. He has been commissioned into the Para Special Forces.
Kalidhar Company was adjudged the overall Champion Company and received the Chief of Army Staff Banner for its outstanding collective performance.
Call to Lead in a Changing Battlefield:
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the Reviewing Officer urged them to embrace innovation, technological advancement and continuous professional learning. He emphasised the importance of leading with purpose, mastering emerging technologies and remaining adaptable to the demands of an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving battlefield.
He called upon the young officers to uphold the core values and traditions of the Indian Army while adopting a forward-looking approach to leadership. The officers were exhorted to combine military ethos and time-tested traditions with innovation and adaptability to remain prepared for command in both peace and war.
Pipping Ceremony Marks New Beginning:
The Pipping Ceremony marked a defining moment for the newly commissioned officers and their families. After months of rigorous training, perseverance and sacrifice, the Officer Cadets received their commissioned ranks as stars were ceremonially placed on their shoulders to signify their induction into the officer cadre of the Indian Army.
The commissioning oath was administered by Academy Adjutant Lieutenant Colonel Prakhar Dhagat, reaffirming the officers’ commitment to serve the Nation with honour, courage and devotion to duty.
With the ceremonial Pehla Kadam, the newly commissioned officers embarked upon their professional journey as leaders of the Indian Army, carrying forward the traditions of military service while preparing to meet the challenges of the future battlefield.
