OTA Chennai Passing Out Parade 10 September 2016

The Officers Training Academy (OTA) displayed the finest military traditions when Supreme Commander of armed forces and President of India Pranab Mukherjee reviewed an impressive Passing out Parade (PoP) on Saturday. With a host of dignitaries, invited guests, diplomatic officials and proud parents, the Officer Cadets marched out with precision from Parameshwaran Drill Square to the tune of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, taking the ‘Final Step.’ The march symbolised the end of their training and the beginning of a major step towards a demanding career as an Indian Army officer. It was

It was third time that an Indian President reviewed the parade at OTA. According to officials, a total of 269 Officer Cadets (including 218 Gentleman Cadets, 32 Lady Cadets from India and 19 Gentleman Cadets, one Lady Cadet from abroad), were commissioned today. OTA Commandant Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews and his faculty were complimented by President for churning out future military leaders. The President also presented various awards on the occasion. The ‘Sword of Honour’ for Best All Round Gentlemen/Lady Cadet of the Passing Out Course was presented to Varun Singh Chauhan. The Gold Medal for standing first in Order of Merit was awarded to Alla Shridhar.

The Silver Medal for standing second in Overall Order of Merit was awarded to Divya Tyagi and the Bronze Medal for standing third in Overall Order of Merit was awarded to Rakesh T R. The banner for Champion Company was awarded to Mektila Company. The newlycommissioned Lieutenants were also awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies by the Madras University.Speaking on the occasion, the President said India’s security challenges go much beyond conventional borders and conventional threats in the international arena. “Time and again our country has fallen back.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said India’s security challenges go much beyond conventional borders and conventional threats in the international arena. “Time and again our country has fallen back on our armed forces in internal crisis situations, both manmade and natural. All these challenges demanded a capable and responsive armed forces to ensure stability and peace so vital for our country,” Pranab Mukherjee said. Saying that the 21st century has ushered in its own set of challenges, the President said: “Though turbulence and uncertainty have manifested all along in the history of mankind, this century is witnessing chaos and strife of a very virulent nature encompassing asymmetric warfare involving both state and nonstate actors.”