New Delhi:

The grand Silver Jubilee (25th) Passing Out Parade of Officers’ Training Academy, Gaya unfolded on June 8, 2024, marking a momentous occasion in the lives of 118 officer cadets who were commissioned as Officers in the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles. Among them, 58 officer cadets from the Special Commissioned Officers Course (Serial Number 52), including 15 from Assam Rifles, and 60 from the Technical Entry Scheme (Serial Number 43) proudly joined the ranks of commissioned officers.

The parade, graced by the Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi as the Reviewing Officer, showcased impeccable drill manoeuvres, evoking a profound sense of pride among the spectators. Leading the parade was Academy Under Officer Pankaj Sharma, serving as the Parade Commander for the 25th Passing Out Parade.

During the ceremony, distinguished officer cadets were honored for their exceptional performance. Among the awardees were:

– Battalion Under Officer D Subhash, awarded the Sword of Honour and the Gold Medal for emerging as the Overall Best Officer Cadet in the Technical Entry Scheme Course Serial Number-43, commissioned into the Madras Regiment.

– Battalion Cadet Quartermaster Subham Singh Tanwar, presented with the Silver Medal for securing the position of the Overall 2nd Best Officer Cadet in the Technical Entry Scheme Serial Number-43, commissioned into the 8th Gorkha Rifles.

– Academy Under Officer Pankaj Sharma, bestowed with the Bronze Medal for achieving the status of the Overall 3rd Best Officer Cadet in the Technical Entry Scheme Serial Number-43, commissioned into 235 Bengal Engineers Regiment.

– Academy Cadet Adjutant Jagsir Singh, honored with the Silver Medal for emerging as the Overall Best Officer Cadet in the Special Commissioned Officer Course Serial Number-52, commissioned into the Corps of Army Aviation.

– Gurez Company, clinching the prestigious Chief of the Army Staff Banner for their exceptional performance as the Champion Company.

Addressing the Officer Cadets, the Reviewing Officer emphasized the significance of upholding the values, traditions, and ethos of the Army, urging them to lead with compassion and professional competence in both peace and wartime scenarios.

The solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial paid homage to the fallen heroes, underscoring the solemn commitment of the Armed Forces to honor their sacrifices.

The emotional Pipping Ceremony witnessed the officer cadets and their families rejoicing as the cadets donned the stars on their shoulders, marking their transition into officers.

Preceding the Passing Out Parade, a multi-activity display enthralled the families of the Passing Out Courses, featuring various captivating performances such as Equestrian Display, Motorcycle Stunts, Gymnastic Display, Aerial Manoeuvres by Microlights, Combat Free-fall, Gatka, and Bhangra. The event was graced by Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, Commandant OTA, Gaya Lieutenant General Paramjit Singh Minhas, civil dignitaries, and officers of OTA, Gaya.