Lt Gen PS Joshi, Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff (CIDS) reviewed the passing-out parade of 791 Gentlemen Cadets (GCS) including 13 from Bhutan and one from Nepal at the Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun on December 8, last year.

Lt Gen Joshi, after the general salute, inspected the parade. He was accompanied by Lt Gen TS Shergill, Commandant, IMA and Parade Commander, Academy Under Officer Pawan Nehra. The Colour party was led by Senior Under Officer Sumeet Koth. The CIDS then gave away the awards to the winners. Academy Under Officer Pawan Nehra won both sword of honour and the gold medal. He was commissioned in 14 Armoured Regiment. Silver medal was won by Junior Under Officer Nepoleon Nayak and the bronze by Battalion Under Officer Mukund Bhardwaj. Both of them joined Air Defence Artillery. Junior Under Officer Mahesh Sarjerao was awarded silver medal for standing first in the order of merit in technical course. He joined the Corps of Signals.

Lt Gen Joshi, who was commissioned from IMA 39 years ago, said that Indian Army is a national institution. "As officers you have to lead your men with elan, standing above the narrow and parochial considerations of language, region, religion, caste or community. It is this unique and special quality of the leaders of the Armed Forces that ensures the well-knit secular character of the Army, he said while addressing the cadets. "Victory smiles upon those who anticipate changes and are prepared for them and not upon those who wait to adapt themselves after the changes have occurred", he added.

In the end, the passing-out Gentlemen Cadets marched in files into the Chetwode Building through the main porch and side entrances crossing the "Final Step" (Antim Pag). Three helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps flew over the parade and showered petals, welcoming the new officer cadre. Again three helicopters, one chetak and two cheetah, marched past from over the Drill Square carrying national, Army and IMA flags.

The pipping ceremony was held at the Khetrapal Auditorium lawns. Lt Col Arvind Bhatia, Adjutant of the Academy, administered the oath in the presence of the Reviewing Officer. The newly commissioned officers expressed their ecstasy by tossing the caps in the air.