On June 8, 2024, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, proudly hosted the Passing Out Parade for 394 officer cadets of the 154 Regular Course and 137 Technical Graduate Course. This year’s parade was especially noteworthy as it included 39 cadets from 10 friendly nations, showcasing the global brotherhood fostered at the academy.
The parade was reviewed by Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command. He expressed his admiration for the cadets’ discipline and the high standard of the parade, reflecting the rigorous training and dedication of both the cadets and their instructors. The marching tunes of ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ and ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ filled the air with patriotism and pride as the cadets moved in perfect synchronization.
IMA Passing Out Parade 8 June 2024 Award Winners
| Award Name | Recipient | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sword of Honour & Gold Medal | Academy Under Officer Praveen Singh | Awarded to the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit |
| Silver Medal | Academy Cadet Adjutant Mohit Kapri | |
| Bronze Medal | Battalion Under Officer Shaurya Bhatt | |
| Silver Medal (Technical Graduate) | Officer Cadet Vinay Bhandari | For the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from the Technical Graduate Course |
| Bangladesh Medal | Foreign Officer Cadet Mohammad Nur Kutubul Alam | For the Officer Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Foreign Country |
| Chief of the Army Staff Banner | Kohima Company | Awarded for standing Overall first amongst 12 companies for the Spring Term 2024 |
In his address, Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar highlighted the significance of the parade, marking not only the culmination of the cadets’ training but also the beginning of their professional military careers. He emphasized the sacredness of their commitment to the nation, encouraging them to always prioritize their duty to the country. He also commended the IMA for its role in shaping the cadets into capable officers equipped with necessary military and leadership skills.
The Reviewing Officer further discussed the evolving dynamics of modern warfare, emphasizing the impact of technological advancements on combat. He pointed out the increasing relevance of cyber and space domains, drones, information warfare, and man-machine teaming in contemporary military strategies. He urged the new officers to stay at the forefront of these developments, stressing the importance of physical fitness, mental agility, and quick adaptability.
During the ceremony, several awards were presented to outstanding cadets. Academy Under Officer Praveen Singh was honored with the coveted Sword of Honour and Gold Medal for topping the Order of Merit. The Silver and Bronze Medals were awarded to Academy Cadet Adjutant Mohit Kapri and Battalion Under Officer Shaurya Bhatt, respectively. Officer Cadet Vinay Bhandari received the Silver Medal for his outstanding performance in the Technical Graduate Course, and Foreign Officer Cadet Mohammad Nur Kutubul Alam from Bangladesh was awarded the Bangladesh Medal.
Kohima Company received the prestigious Chief of the Army Staff Banner, marking it as the top company for the Spring Term 2024.
The event concluded with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial, where Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar paid homage to the academy’s fallen heroes. The emotional ‘Pipping Ceremony’ followed, during which the newly commissioned officers were adorned with their ranks by their loved ones, marking a proud and transformative moment in their lives.
The parade not only celebrated the achievements of the new officers but also reinforced the IMA’s commitment to developing disciplined and skilled leaders for the Indian Army.
