THE INDIAN MILITARY ACADEMY TRAINS VALIANT WARRIORS FOR 33 COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD
-Jay Singh Rawat
The Indian Military Academy at Dehradun is the oldest military academy in India which stands tall amongst its peers across the world. It was established in 1932 following a recommendation by a military committee set up under the chairmanship of General (later Field Marshall) Sir Philip Chetwode. Since its raising in 1932, a total of 61044 Indian Gentleman Cadets(GCs) and 2724 Foreign GCs from 33 friendly foreign countries including Afghanistan, Tazakistan, Singapore, Zambia, Malesia, Bhutan and Nepal have been trained and commissioned as proud Army officers from the portals of IMA. The alumni have gone on to become Chief and Vice Chief of Army Staff. IMA now has a sanctioned capacity of 1,650. Cadets undergo a training course varying between 3 and 16 months depending on entry criteria. Upon completion of the course at IMA gentlemen cadets are permanently commissioned into the army as Lieutenants.
With the current strength of foreign trainees, almost every fourth GC in the academy is from a foreign military reflecting the stellar international standing of the Academy and its reputed training regime. The academy has been pursuing a visionary transformation of its curriculum, training methodology and infrastructure toward preparing the young military leaders for the complexities of the future battlefield.
This is cradle for war heroes. IMA alumni have led and fought in every conflict in which the Indian Army has served. Numerous alumni have earned laurels, died in action and been honoured with gallantry awards. As of 2021, alumni from the academy were recipients of 7 Param Vir Chakras, 17 Ashok Chakra, 84 Mahavir Chakra and 257 Vir Chakra. Alumni were also recipients of 2 Sarvottam Yudhh Seva Medal, 28 Uttam Yudhh Sewa Medal, 48 Kirti Chakra and 191 Shaurya Chakra. Battle casualties from the academy total 817 alumni. In 2017, Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz Parry was the 847th name to be engraved on the IMA War Memorial, which honours alumni of the academy who have fallen in the course of action.
IMA is currently preparing for its Spring Term Passing Out Parade which shall witness 377 smart, proficient GCs passing out. This includes 69 foreign trainees from eight countries The ceremonies associated with the Passing Out Parade will commence on 10 Jun 22, with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony, where homage will be paid to the brave alumni of this prestigious training academy, 898 of whom have made the supreme sacrifice to uphold the honour of the Nation and protect its Sovereignty, in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
Photo_Jay Singh Rawat
The passing out parade will be held on Saturday, 11 Jun 2022 in the backdrop of the famous Chetwode Building. Band Symphony and Multi-Activity Display are also part of the events being showcased during the POP ST-22. The parents & the family members of the Passing Out Gentleman Cadets shall be attending the events and also solemnising the pipping ceremony albeit with strict enforcement of all COVID protocols.
The IMA Passing Out Parade of Spring Term 2022 highlights the unwavering commitment of the Armed Force to face any challenge & constantly strive to excel. The 377 GCs set to be commissioned in various armies are sure to earn laurels and add glory to this great institution.