CHENNAI: On Saturday, the shrill whistle that preceded each command to the cadets remained silent. The 183 trainee cadets at the Officers Training Academy, one of the premier army training units in the country, had completed the rigorous 49-week training module, and were formally inducted into the Indian Army as Lieutenants.
Of them 146 were gentlemen cadets and the remaining lady cadets from different parts of the country. At the traditional pipping ceremony, following the parade, the stars on every cadet's shoulder were unveiled by their proud parents and other loved ones.
Unlike earlier occasions, there were no foreign cadets this time.
Of special significance was the presence of the chief of army staff, General Dalbir Singh who reviewed the passing-out parade and addressed the newly commissioned officers. Encouraging them to be worthy of respect from subordinates, Gen. Singh said, "The Indian Army has always been known not just for the power it represents but for the maturity and responsibility with which it wields the power."
He urged the new officers to understand the unique commitment expected of each as they strove to fulfil responsibilities. The army chief was accompanied by Lt. Gen. Bobby Matthews, the commandant of OTA, during the review parade.
Gen. Singh presented the ‘sword of honour', the top recognition from the OTA, to Parikshit Bawa, the academy under officer who also commanded the passing out parade. The gold medal for standing first in order of merit was awarded to Academy Cadet Adjutant, Sonu Sharma of Meerut.