GENTLEMAN CADETS OF 1973 BATCH REUNITES AFTER 50 YEARS AT THEIER ALMA MATER, IMA DEHRADUN
–uttarakhandhimalaya.in —
DEHRADUN, 21 JUNE. It was in the summer of 1973, when a band of over three hundred strapping youngsters passed through the hallowed portals of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun with stars on their shoulders and a chance to safeguard the sovereignty of our Nation, India.Exactly after a chequered and adventurous life journey spanning over five decades, the band of boys of 51 Regular and 35 Tech assembled at IMA from 19-21 June 2023, with their spouses this time, as wisened veterans to pay their respects at the place which turned them into hardy soldiers from young men. This long journey for them has been arduous, adventurous, fruitful, satisfying, eventful, and a humbling experience.
They came from all corners of the country and some even from across the seas. They reminisced the days gone by recounting the days spent in their cradle, in IMA, under the best of instructors and ustads who inculcated in them the finest qualities of leadership traits which stood them through the thick and thin of a very demanding professional life.
Apart from general bonhomie and camaraderie seen in the body language and gestures, the recharged atmosphere created in these three days was boisterous, at time juvenile as is to be expected.
In Upholding the course spirit, the ceremony commenced with remembering and paying tributes to their fallen buddies. The befitting welcome by the Commandant, IMA, Lt Gen VK Mishra, PVSM, AVSM, was a great reminder that the cradle never forgets those who took their learning from here and became its ambassadors for life and after.
Wreath laying in the memory of fallen heroes martyred followed.
These officers have served in all parts of the country and many have served in overseas assignments too. The course has also produced one Lt Governor and three Army Commanders. Officers from the course have done many command and staff assignments at various ranks all through their service, including command of formations and premier Army Training Institutions. Besides awards for bravery, many from the course are also in receipt of multiple awards for distinguished service.
Some of the officers from the course, post-retirement, have become entrepreneurs with startups, in manufacturing, technology and security affording employment opportunities to scores of Indians. Others have joined the corporate world and excelled in the fields of Information Technology, Telecommunications, Flying, Energy, Social Sector and so on, in the process further contributing to Nation building.
The Indian Military Academy expressed pride in the service and achievements of the course of 51 Regular & 35 Tech and wished the band of the summer of 1973 and their families happiness and reminisces and thank them for visiting the Academy after half a century.