The Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, witnessed a powerful display of legacy, honour and tradition as officers from fifth- and fourth-generation military families were commissioned during the Passing Out Parade (POP) on Saturday.
As 525 newly commissioned officers marched out of the hallowed Chetwode Drill Square, three young Lieutenants stood out for carrying forward extraordinary family legacies spanning over a century of service to the nation.
The Passing Out Parade, reviewed by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, marked the completion of training for officers from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme (TES), 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th SCO Course and TA OTEE-2023, along with 34 officers from 14 Friendly Foreign Countries.
Lt Sartaj Singh: Five Generations of Service Since 1897
Commissioned into 20 Jat Regiment, the same unit as his father Brigadier Upinder Pal Singh, Lieutenant Sartaj Singh represents a rare fifth-generation military lineage, tracing its roots back to 1897.
His family’s military journey began when Sepoy Kirpal Singh of 36 Sikh fought in the Afghan Campaign. The legacy strengthened through:
- Subedar Ajmer Singh (2 Field Regiment) – WWII veteran of the Battle of Bir Hakeim and recipient of the Order of British India
- Brigadier Harwant Singh – Veteran of the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars
- Colonel Harvinder Pal Singh – Served in Siachen during the 1999 Kargil War
On his maternal side, the tradition continued with officers who served in World War I, World War II, and the 1971 War, reflecting an unparalleled family contribution to the Indian Army.
IMA described Lt Sartaj’s commissioning as “the moment when legacy becomes responsibility.”
Lt Harmanmeet Singh Reen: Four Generations of Olive Green
Lieutenant Harmanmeet Singh Reen, commissioned into the Maratha Light Infantry, carries forward a four-generation military heritage.
- His great-grandfather served in the Sikh Regiment
- His grandfather joined the Signals
- Two grand-uncles fought in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, with Captain Ujagar Singh earning the Sena Medal for Gallantry
- His father, Colonel Harmeet Singh, is currently serving in the Indian Army
An outstanding cadet, Harmanmeet is a Silver Medallist at MCTE and winner of the Bayonet Pin and Six Star Torch, with notable achievements in academics and sports.
His journey was inspired by a childhood visit to IMA and a memorable interaction with former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who once predicted his future as a soldier.
Lt Yuvraj Singh Nughaal: Fourth-Generation Warrior
Lieutenant Yuvraj Singh Nughaal became the fourth consecutive generation in his family to don the uniform.
- His great-grandfather served in 7 Jat (pre-Independence)
- His grandfather served in 16 Grenadiers
- His father was commissioned into 7 Mechanised Infantry
According to IMA, his commissioning symbolised “not an end, but the renewal of a sacred tradition of honour, sacrifice and duty.”
IMA: Where Legacy Meets Leadership
The commissioning of officers from multi-generation military families once again highlighted the Indian Military Academy’s role as the cradle of leadership, discipline and values that transcend generations.
Their stories stand as a reminder that while uniforms may be inherited, honour is earned—through commitment, courage and service to the nation.
