Bijendra Kumar still remembers the moment — some 10-odd years ago — when he had told people in his village in UP’s Chandauli district that he was sending away his son to a school in Rajasthan so he could study well and become an Army officer. Most of them had laughed. The sanitation worker was “thinking too big”, they had said. On Saturday, it was Kumar who was grinning as he watched his 21-year-old son, Sujeet, graduate from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun and become the first person from his village of Basila to join the Indian Army as an officer.
“I held a broom, but my son will protect the country with his gun,” Kumar told TOI over phone from Varanasi — where he is currently posted — as the family huddled around a television to watch the Passing Out Parade. Family members of the Gentleman Cadets (GCs) were not allowed to be present during the ceremony due to Covid-related restrictions.
“I would have loved to see the pride on my parents’ face,” said Sujeet, whose mother is an Asha worker back home. He will be joining the Army Ordnance Corps and hopes his achievement will motivate more youngsters in his village to don the olive green.
Lt Deepak, an alumnus of Rashtriya Military School Bangalore school led the IMA Passing out Parade & awarded President Gold Medal for standing First in order of Merit. The gold medal for the GC standing first in the Order of Merit was presented to Deepak Singh from Uttarakhand’s Almora whose father is a retired Havildar. Singh passed out from Rashtriya Military School in Bengaluru and got commissioned in the Kumaon Regiment.
It was a day for rejoicing and to relish for Indian and Sri Lankan peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Not only was their UN Force Commander in Bor to salute them, but he also pinned medals to the proud chests of 135 Indian and 103 Sri Lankan Blue Berets, the latter from the tear-shaped island-nation’s aviation unit.
“My heartfelt congratulations to all these officers for their contributions towards the fulfillment of the UNMISS mandate in this challenging environment,” said Lieutenant General Shailesh Tinaikar, the peacekeeping mission’s Force Commander.
The Indian troops are stationed in Bor, Pibor and at a temporary operating base in Akobo and have engaged in a variety of activities, including civil-military cooperation such as a veterinary camp. They have, like anybody working in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, dealt with the often-violent reality in a volatile part of South Sudan, often plagued by intercommunal violence. Flooding and the resulting displacement of thousands of people have further complicated matters.
Rifleman Aurangzeb hailed from Poonch in Rajauri district of J & K. He was recruited into 4 JAK Li of the famed Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment, a regiment known for its intrepid soldiers and various battle honours. After serving for some time with his unit he was deputed to serve with 44 RR battalion, deployed for counterinsurgency operations in J&K.
During 2018, Rifleman Aurangzeb was serving with 44 Rashtriya Rifles battalion with its base camp located at Shadimarg in Shopian district of J & K. The unit was engaged in counter-insurgency operations and faced challenging situations on a regular basis. The unit had undertaken a number of successful operations against the militants since the beginning of 2018.
Rifleman Aurangzeb was also part of some of these operations and was on the hit list of the militants. In one of the major operations by the unit, Rifleman Aurangzeb was part of Major Rohit Shukla’s team that eliminated top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sameer Tiger. This incident had angered the militants of the dreaded group and they were hatching plans to avenge the death of their top leader.
On 14 June 2018, Rifleman Aurangzeb had boarded a private vehicle to reach Shopian, from where he was supposed to go to his home in Rajouri district for Eid celebrations. The terrorists intercepted the vehicle as it approached Kalampora and abducted him. Later Rifleman Aurangzeb’s bullet-ridden body was found by a team of police and Army personnel at Gussu village, about 10 km away from Kalampora, in Pulwama district.
He was shot in his head and neck, and his body had marks that indicated torture. The body of Rifleman Aurangzeb was later flown from 92 Base Hospital located at the 15 Corps at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar to his native place for last rites. Rifleman Aurangzeb was a gallant and committed soldier who laid down his life in the service of the nation.
Mohd Tariq & Mohd Shabbir, brothers of Army rifleman Aurangzeb joined Indian Army in 2019 to continue their service to the nation.
A Passing-out Parade (POP) was held at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC), Leh on Saturday to mark the entry of 90 recruits into the Ladakh Scouts Regiment, informed Defence PRO, Srinagar. “Attestation Parade was held at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, Leh today to mark the entry of 90 well-trained recruits into the Ladakh Scouts Regiment as young soldiers,” informed Defence PRO, Srinagar in a tweet.
The aparade was reviewed by Major General Akash Kaushik, Chief Of Staff, Fire and Fury Corps, it said. Earlier, an attestation parade was held at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC), Leh to mark the entry of 127 well-trained recruits into the Ladakh Scouts Regiment as young soldiers, an official statement said. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was conducted without any military or civil dignitaries or parents of the recruits following all the norms and advisories issued by the Home Ministry as well as by the Indian Army.
The attestation parade with appropriate social distancing was reviewed by Colonel Rinchen Dorje, Commandant, LSRC. The young soldiers, hailing from all regions of Ladakh, were seen taking an oath in unison to serve the nation. The Reviewing Officer congratulated them and urged them to devote their life in service to the nation as proud soldiers of the Indian Army. He exhorted the young soldiers to continue to strive hard in pursuit of excellence in all spheres and take a solemn vow to uphold the sovereignty of the nation. The young riflemen were awarded medals for their outstanding performance during training.
Naval cadets at the National Defence Academy join the Indian Naval Academy for their pre-commission training. Watch the josh push-ups by the Ex-NDA Cadets at Indian Naval Academy during their passing out parade.
Applications are invited from unmarried eligible male candidates for grant of Short Service Commission (SSC) for Extended Naval Orientation course commencing Jan 2022 onwards at Indian Naval Academy (INA) Ezhimala, Kerala for under mentioned entries in the Indian Navy. Candidates must fulfill conditions of nationality as laid down by the Government of India. Selected candidates will undergo training with one of the following two distinct courses:
(a) General Service (Executive) [GS (X)] (b) Hydrography
Educational Qualifications:
(i) Due to COVID-19 pandemic, an exception is being made in the public interest wherein no INET (O) entrance examination for the ST – 22 course is being held for shortlisting candidate for SSB. The final merit list for induction will be prepared based only on SSB marks.
(ii) *These vacancies are tentative and may be changed depending on availability of training slots.
(iii) ) **Merchant Navy Personnel. Candidates having Government of India, Ministry of Shipping & Transport Certificate of Competency (Foreign going) either as a Second Mate, Mate or Master and born between 02 Jan 1992 and 01 Jul 2002 (both dates inclusive) can apply for Executive Branch entry (General Service) as per stipulations stated at Para 2(a) above.
(iv) NCC Candidates. NCC ‘C’ certificate holders will be given relaxation in cut off marks towards shortlisting for SSB subject to following conditions:-
Having NCC ;C; certificate of Naval/Army/Air Wing with minimum ‘B’ Grade.
Not served less than two academic years in the Senior Division, Naval/Army/Air Wing of the NCC.
‘C’ certificate should not be dated prior to 30 Jun 18.
The final selection will be subject to verification of the certificate by DGNCC/concerned NCC unit for its validity. Candidature of individual will be cancelled at any stage of selection/training/post commissioning, in case of false declaration, misinformation, concealing of information.
Who Can Apply: Candidates who have graduated/post-graduated with minimum 60% marks in aggregate or equivalent CGPA or are in the final year from a university incorporated by an Act of Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as Universities/Autonomous Universities under UGC, Act 1956; IIT Act, 1961; AICTE Act, 1987; NITSER Act, 2007; IIIT Act, 2014, or; Obtained a degree in Engineering with 60% marks in aggregate or equivalent CGPA/System from such foreign university/college/institution recognised by the Government of India for the purpose or Engineering Degree/equivalence certificate from Association of Indian Universities established under AIU, Act 1973, can apply. The candidate will, however, be required to fulfil the educational qualification stipulated above before joining INA. The candidate failing to meet stipulated educational criteria will not be permitted to join INA, Ezhimala.
Note (2): – (i) Candidates are advised to ascertain their eligibility for branch in respect to applicable medical standards, prior to submission of application. Only one application can be filled by a candidate. (ii) Candidates must indicate their preference for other entry also, if they wish to be considered for that entry. A candidate will not be considered for the entry that they have not selected.
Selection Procedure. The selection procedure is as follows:-
Shortlisting of application will be based on preference of entries and marks obtained by the candidates in the qualifying degree till fifth semester.
Candidates having Naval ‘C’ certificate issued by the National Cadet Corps will be provided relaxation of 5% in cut off marks for SSB shortlisting. However, at the time of extending the relaxation, the mandatory educational qualification of 60% marks in qualifying degree will be required at the time of shortlisting of candidates and at subsequent satge of selection.
No communication will be entertained in this regard.
SSB interviews will be tentatively scheduled from Jul 21 onwards at Bangalore/ Bhopal/ Visakhapatnam / Kolkata. Change of SSB Centre for interview is not permissible under any circumstances.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed about their shortlisting for SSB interview through e-mail or SMS (provided by candidates in their application form). Candidates are advised not to change their e-mail/mobile number till selection process is over.
Candidates are to register and fill application on Indian Navy website www.joinindiannavy.gov.in w.e.f 11 Jun 21. To save time during the application submission window, candidates can fill in their details and upload documents in advance.
425 Gentlemen Cadets of 148 Regular Course and 131 Technical Graduate Course, including 84 Gentlemen Cadets from nine friendly foreign countries passed out from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, observing strict protocols of COVID-19. The Gentlemen Cadets displayed inspiring enthusiasm and zeal, and put up an excellent parade which was reviewed by Lt Gen RP Singh, General Officer Commanding in Chief of Western Command.
The Western Army Commander complimented the Instructors and Gentlemen Cadets for the excellent parade, immaculate turnout as well as the crisp, synergised drill movements indicating high standards of training and discipline imbibed by the young leaders. The Army Commander complimented and thanked the parents of the passing out course who had motivated their wards for having chosen such a noble profession to serve the Nation.
The entire ceremony was conducted with due COVID precautions, including wearing of masks, gloves and drill formations adapted to maintain requisite distance between files and columns while executing the drill movements over the Drill Square against the impressive backdrop of Chetwode building.
The ‘Pipping Ceremony’, which is traditionally done by the parents of the Gentlemen Cadets, was this time carried out by the staff and instructors while observing strict social distancing and personal protection protocols.
The Reviewing Officer presented the following awards:-
The coveted Sword of Honour was awarded to Battalion Under Officer Mukesh Kumar.
Gold Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit was awarded to Academy Under Officer Deepak Singh.
Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was awarded to Battalion Under Officer Mukesh Kumar.
Bronze Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing Third in the Order of Merit was awarded to Academy Cadet Adjutant Loveneet Singh.
Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Technical Graduate Course was awarded to Junior Under Officer Daksh Kumar Pant.
Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Foreign GCs was presented to Junior Under Officer Kinley Norbu.
Chief of Army Staff Banner for standing Overall First amongst 16 Companies for the Spring Term 2021was awarded to Dograi Coy.
While being conducted in a scaled down format on account of prevailing COVID conditions, the Passing Out Parade retained its ceremonial grandeur. The Parade was earlier preceded by a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the Academy War Memorial in which the Academy remembered its 889 Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the Nation through the years. All trainees committed themselves to follow the same path of bravery and selfless courage.
A total of 89 Gentlemen cadets (20 from the Special Commissioned Officers’ (SCO) – 46 Course, 60 Gentlemen Cadets of Technical Entry Scheme (TES) – 43 Course and nine from Assam Rifles) passed out from the Officer Training Academy, Gaya (Bihar) in an impressive Passing Out Parade while observing strict COVID protocols today. The young officers from the TES Course will now proceed to pursue a degree in Engineering at various Army Cadet Training Wings of Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCME), Secunderabad, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow and College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune.
Lieutenant General G A V Reddy, Commandant, Officers’ Training Academy, Gaya was the Reviewing Officer reviewed the parade. The entire ceremony was conducted with due COVID precautions while observing strict social distancing and personal protection protocols.
The Silver Medal for standing first in the Order of Merit amongst the passing out Special Commissioned Officers’ Course was awarded to Academy Cadet Adjutant Gurumayum Kennedy Sharma and Gurez Company was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Banner for Best Overall Performance during the Spring Term 2021.
Addressing the parade, the Commandant congratulated the Gentlemen Cadets for their excellent drill and urged the young officers to make their Nation and their Alma Mater proud by rendering selfless, dedicated and professional service. He emphasised the importance of being scholar warriors, spearheading innovative responses to myriad challenges on the battlefield so as to outthink; and outperform the adversaries. Congratulating the proud parents who were witnessing the event via live streaming, Lieutenant General G A V Reddy said that they were amongst the lucky few whose sons will get the opportunity to serve in the Armed Forces which stand amongst the best in the world.
Officers’ Training Academy, Gaya was raised on 18 July 2011 with the motto of ‘Shaurya Gyan Sankalp’ (Courage, Knowledge and Resolve). Presently, the Academy conducts training for Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and Special Commissioned Officer (SCO) entries. The Gentlemen Cadets of TES course join the Academy after completing their intermediate exams, while SCO Gentlemen Cadets are selected from the ranks.
The Passing out Parade of the Cadets of the Technical Entry Scheme- 37 Course at the Cadets Training Wing, College of Military Engineering (CME) at Pune was held on Saturday. The parade was reviewed by Lt Gen PP Malhotra, VSM, Commandant CME. Thirty-three Gentlemen Cadets of the Course, including three gentlemen cadets from Bhutan and two from Sri Lanka, were commissioned as officers.
Though parents of the passing out course could not attend the ceremony owing to COVID related restrictions, the parade was streamed live on YouTube. Lt Gen PP Malhotra, VSM presented several awards to Gentlemen Cadets for excellence in training. The parade conducted with traditional military regalia, was commanded by Wing Cadet Captain Abhishek Chauhan. The coveted General Officer Commanding in Chief Army Training Command Gold Medal for standing first in overall performance in three years at CTW was awarded to Wing Cadet Adjutant Sahil Kumar. The Silver and Bronze Medal was awarded to Gentlemen Cadet Sonam Tshering from the Royal Bhutan Army and Wing Cadet Quarter Master Prince Kumar Singh respectively. Cadets of the Wing also had the distinction of being awarded the Commandant Officers Training Academy Silver medal to Wing Cadet Captain Abhishek Singh Chauhan and the Bronze Medal to Wing Cadet Adjutant Sahil Kumar for their meritorious performance in the combined four years of training, including one year at the Officers Training Academy, Gaya. Echo Platoon was awarded the General Officer Commanding in Chief’s Banner for performing exceedingly well in the Inter Platoon Competitions and emerging as the Champion Platoon.
Addressing the parade, the General Officer congratulated the Gentlemen Cadets for their superlative performance in the training period at the wing and their immaculate parade. Lt General PP Malhotra, VSM highlighted that the cadets were at the cusp of a new beginning as young military leaders, and on their broad shoulders lay the future of our gallant Army. He urged the future officers to make their nation and the Alma Mater proud by rendering selfless and honourable service. He also stressed on imbibing strong moral values and ethics. The passing out parade was followed by a Commissioning and an oath taking ceremony for the newly commissioned officers.
College of Military Engineering has emerged as the finest technical institutions in the Indian Army. Recent forays of the College into Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Engineering Materials have been lauded by all. The college has entered into MOU with academic and industrial majors to absorb best engineering practices and infuse a culture of innovation in the Indian Army. Several projects from the College have been displayed and awarded in forums such as the iDEX4Fauji and the Army Day Parade, this year.
