The Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun recently celebrated its 79th Founder’s Day. A reunion was organised in which Gen S Padmanabhan, COAS and other dignitaries took part to affirm their support and solidarity with their alma mater. Old boys came eagerly to meet their friends.

The celebrations began with a hockey and football match between the Rimcollians (as the old boys are known) and the College XI. An inter-section boxing competition was also held on the occasion. The medals and trophies were given away by Mr RC Singal, a former teacher of the school.

A Commandant’s Dinner was organised at the Cadets Mess where the Rimcollians joined other guests. The entire RIMC campus was illuminated. The cadets enlivened the evening with a bhangra dance followed by singing of kadam kadam badhaye ja with candles in their hands.

Gen Padmanabhan laid a wreath on behalf of all the old boys at the war memorial. A commemorative prayer of silence was offered and a magnificent flypast by Army helicopters showered petals of rose over the memorial. A spectacular PT display by cadets was organised at the cricket ground. This was followed by an impressive sky-diving and parajumping by para troopers of the Army. A friendly cricket match was played between the Rimcollians and the cadets. The Commandant presented the annual report of the college. The outstanding cadets were presented with gold and silver medals and trophies by Gen Padmanabhan. A musical programme was followed by a play in English, ‘RIMC Darkest Hour’. The annual general meeting of the Rimcollians Old Boys Association was also organised on the occasion at the Bhagat Hall.