When Sangram Singh Chauhan passed out of the Indian Military Academy here on Saturday, he was carrying forward a family tradition — he is a seventh-generation member to join the Army.
With his epaulette adorned with two stars, Lieutenant Chauhan was amongst the 616 Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) who walked their ‘ antim pag [final steps]’ out of the hallowed portals of the IMA’s historic Chetwode building, becoming newly commissioned officers in the Indian Army.
Of the GCs who passed out, 100 were from Uttar Pradesh. This was followed by 64 from Haryana, and 60 from Uttarakhand.
So far, a total of 1,813 Foreign Gentlemen Cadets (FGCs) have passed out of the IMA, of whom 71 FGCs participated in Saturday’s passing out parade.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R.K. Dhowan, who was the Reviewing Officer for the parade, said it was a “distinct honour and proud privilege” to be at the parade.
Speaking on some aspects of leadership Admiral Dhowan mentioned “commitment, courage, compassion, credibility and integrity” as most important for all Army officers.
The parade saw many officers who drew inspiration from their elders already serving in the Army.
Ishan Shinghal, son of Brigadier Anoop Shinghal, who was awarded the Sword of Honour for the best all round performance, said, “I followed in my father’s footsteps and joined the Army. I truly believe that being a part of the Indian Army is not just a profession, it is a way of life.”
Ajay Kumar Pathak, son of Subedar Santosh Kumar Pathak, who was awarded the gold medal for standing first in the Regular Course, said he was inspired by his father.
Ashish Kapoor was awarded the silver medal and Naveen Janu was awarded the bronze in the Regular Course.
The Silver Medal for standing first in the Technical Graduate Course was awarded to Anshumaan Bisht.
Ali Shareef from Maldives bagged the silver medal for the best all round performance among the FGCs in the passing out course.
