President Droupadi Murmu Reviews Passing Out Parade at IMA, Calls on Young Officers to Lead with Courage and Integrity.
Dehradun:
President of India Droupadi Murmu today reviewed the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. The ceremony marked the successful completion of one of the country’s most demanding military training programmes and the commissioning of a new batch of officers into the Indian Army.
Addressing the officer cadets after the parade, the President congratulated them on their achievement and praised their dedication, discipline and perseverance. She stated that the rigorous training they had undergone at IMA had prepared them to face the challenges of military leadership with courage, wisdom and professionalism.
Historic Milestone with Inclusion of Women Cadets
President Murmu expressed particular delight at the presence of nine women cadets among the graduating officers, describing the occasion as a “watershed moment” in the history of the Indian Military Academy. She said the commissioning of women officers from the academy represents not only a significant milestone for India’s defence forces but also serves as a powerful example of the country’s progress towards women-led development.
The President voiced confidence that the participation of women in the armed forces would continue to grow and that many more women cadets would join the academy in the years ahead.
Strengthening International Defence Cooperation
The President also extended her congratulations to cadets from friendly foreign nations who completed their training alongside Indian officer cadets. She expressed confidence that these young officers would bring distinction to their respective armed forces and countries by applying the values and professional standards they acquired during their training at IMA.
Highlighting the importance of international military training, President Murmu noted that the presence of foreign cadets reflects India’s commitment to fostering friendship, cooperation and peaceful relations with countries around the world. She emphasized that the bonds of trust, understanding and camaraderie developed at the academy play a vital role in strengthening defence cooperation among nations.
Officers Entrusted with Nation’s Security
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the President reminded them of their solemn responsibility as guardians of India’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. She stated that they carry the trust and aspirations of over 140 crore citizens and urged them to regard service to the nation as their highest duty.
“In an era marked by evolving security challenges, rapid technological advancements and complex global dynamics, the Indian Army must remain adaptive and future-ready,” she said.
The President encouraged the young officers to remain lifelong learners, make courageous decisions and uphold the highest ethical standards throughout their careers.
Leadership Through Example
President Murmu stressed that military leadership extends beyond operational responsibilities. She said officers must guide, mentor and care for the soldiers under their command. By leading through personal example, inspiring confidence and promoting teamwork and dedication, officers can build strong and effective units.
She emphasized that balancing operational excellence with the welfare of soldiers is essential for maintaining trust and enhancing the fighting capability of the Army. The President urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold the finest traditions of the Indian Armed Forces and to always lead from the front.
A Proud Day for the Indian Army
The Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy marked the culmination of months of intensive military training and leadership development. The ceremony celebrated the transformation of cadets into commissioned officers ready to serve the nation and uphold the values of duty, honour and sacrifice.
The event also underscored India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces, promoting gender inclusion and strengthening international defence partnerships through military education and cooperation.
