GENTLEMAN CADETS WHO PASSED OUT IN JUNE 1971 GOT TOGETHER AT THEIR ALMA MATER AFTER 52 LONG YEARS
DEHRADUN, 24 JUNE. On a rain-drenched morning of 13 June 1971, a batch of 352 Gentlemen Cadets of 47 Regular and 31 Technical Courses, took their final step on the momentous occasion of the Passing Out Parade, on completion of their training at the esteemed Indian Military Academy.
It was deja vu for the emotional batch of officers of the Army, reminiscent of their previous get-together held in this very prescient of their Alma Mater, in 2010. That day had been special as one of their own batch mates was the Commandant at IMA. This reunion from 23 to 25 June was also special as it was the eagerly awaited Golden Anniversary Reunion which had got delayed due to the Covid pandemic. About 97 of the batch of 352 have done their time since, and many have brought laurels to the Nation with the ultimate sacrifice. Some who could not participate sent their loving messages and best wishes. However, the fire still burns in the hearts of over a hundred officers, who were lucky to participate in the celebrations after 52 long years. The bonhomie witnessed during the celebrations commencing with the wreath laying at the War Memorial exemplified the spirit of the Indian Army, which remains unmatched. Some Veer Naris and family members of martyrs came to meet colleagues of their loved ones and pay homage at the War Memorial. Emotions were evident as the coursemates eulogized their kin. Stories and anecdotes did the rounds. The bonhomie was also perceptible in the involvement exhibited by the better halves of those present, even as they seemed fully aware that they needed to take a back seat when coursemates meet over such occasions.
This batch of Army officers is special. It has produced 24 Army Generals, besides six Air Marshals and three Admirals in their parallel batches of Air Force and Indian Navy. It has produced a Vice Chief/ Army Commander and the Commandants of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, and Officers Training Academy. The list of gallantry award winners is long. Suffice to mention that the batch can boast of the highest gallantry award of Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) in the face of the enemy, bestowed on 2Lt Arun Khetarpal for his supreme sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War and equally esteemed peace-time awards of Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra proudly earned by Col NJC Nair for actions against insurgents on two separate occasions. No wonder that the course is well known by the moniker – ‘Born To Battle’ (B2B), having been launched straight into battle after passing out of IMA, during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. In addition, some who chose a second innings outside the service in the Forces, have done the Course proud. The names of Captain GR Gopinath, Col KJ Samuel, Col V Rawal and Col J Poovaiah are well known for their contribution in pioneering the advent of low-cost airlines in the Country. Many others, worth mentioning are Capt KJS Brar for his philanthropy and Lt Gen RS Sujlana, who was appointed as Chairman of, the Punjab Public Service Commission.
In their last meeting at IMA in 2010, the course presented a silver replica of the War Memorial to the IMA, while the postal department released a special Stamp booklet to mark the occasion.
The celebrations began with IMA hosting a party in honor of the Course. The next day, the events started with a Wreath Laying at the War Memorial followed by a screening of the movie “Making of a Warrior” at the Khetarpal Auditorium; soon after this, the course gathered for a group photograph. A special visit to the Museum was organized and the officers were given the opportunity to glean through their Dossiers of the Gentlemen Cadet days at IMA, which invoked much humorous banter, as notes were exchanged with friends and family. The grand finale was the Reunion Dinner, on 24 June 2023, which ended with prayers and promises to meet again.