On June 8, 2024, the Officers’ Training Academy in Gaya celebrated its 25th Silver Jubilee Passing Out Parade, a momentous occasion that marked the commissioning of 118 officer cadets into the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles.
The parade showcased the culmination of rigorous training for two distinct groups: 58 officer cadets from the Special Commissioned Officers Course (Serial Number 52), which included 15 cadets from Assam Rifles, and 60 from the Technical Entry Scheme (Serial Number 43).
The event was graced by the presence of Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the Reviewing Officer. His presence underscored the importance of the ceremony and added gravitas to the proceedings. The parade was commanded by Academy Under Officer Pankaj Sharma, whose leadership and coordination were evident in the skillful and synchronized drill maneuvers that inspired pride among the spectators.
The parade also included a significant awards ceremony where exceptional cadets were recognized for their outstanding performance during their training. Battalion Under Officer D Subhash received the prestigious Sword of Honour and the Gold Medal, becoming the Overall Best Officer Cadet of the Technical Entry Scheme Course Serial Number-43.
He is now commissioned into the Madras Regiment. Other notable awardees included Battalion Cadet Quartermaster Subham Singh Tanwar, who was awarded the Silver Medal and is now part of the 8th Gorkha Rifles, and Academy Under Officer Pankaj Sharma, who received the Bronze Medal and joined the 235 Bengal Engineers Regiment.
In his address, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi urged the newly commissioned officers to embody the values, traditions, and ethos of the Army. He emphasized the critical balance between compassion and professional competence in leading the brave soldiers of the nation, both in peace and in conflict.
The day prior to the parade, a multi-activity display was organized, attended by families of the officer cadets, military and civil dignitaries, showcasing a range of military skills including equestrian and motorcycle stunts, gymnastic and aerial displays, and traditional martial arts performances.
The ceremonies concluded with a touching Pipping Ceremony, where the officer cadets were officially donned with their stars, marking their transition into commissioned officers, a poignant moment for both the cadets and their families.
This 25th Passing Out Parade not only celebrated the achievements of the new officers but also reinforced the academy’s continued commitment to developing disciplined and skilled leaders for the Indian Army and Assam Rifiles.
