Gaya : A total of 253 Officer Cadets were commissioned into the Indian Army during the fourth Passing Out Parade of the Short Service Commission (Technical Entry) Men-65 and Women-36 courses at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya.
The Passing Out Parade marked the culmination of rigorous military training, with 218 Officer Cadets from SSC (Tech) Men-65 and 35 from SSC (Tech) Women-36 marching through the Antim Pag to join the Indian Army as Commissioned Officers.
Lieutenant General Le Van Huong, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, reviewed the parade. The smart and synchronised drill movements of the cadets reflected their discipline, training and military bearing.
Academy Under Officer P. Shashi Kumar was the Parade Commander and received the coveted Sword of Honour for being adjudged the Best All-rounder. He also won the Gold Medal for securing first position in the Overall Order of Merit and was commissioned into the Gorkha Rifles.
Battalion Under Officer Deepak Singh Rawat secured second position in the Overall Order of Merit and received the Silver Medal before being commissioned into the Rajput Regiment. Academy Cadet Adjutant Navneet Singh secured third position, receiving the Bronze Medal, and was commissioned into the Para Special Forces. Kalidhar Company was adjudged the overall Champion Company and received the Chief of Army Staff Banner.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Lieutenant General Le Van Huong urged them to embrace innovation, continuously upgrade their knowledge and master emerging technologies. He emphasised the importance of adaptable and purposeful leadership while upholding the core values of the Indian Army.
The Pipping Ceremony marked a proud moment for the officer cadets and their families. The newly commissioned officers were adorned with stars on their shoulders, signifying their transition into commissioned service. The oath to serve the nation was administered by Academy Adjutant Lieutenant Colonel Prakhar Dhagat.
The ceremony concluded with the newly commissioned officers taking their ‘Pehla Kadam’ into a career dedicated to honour, duty and service to the nation.
