Dehradun

Emotional scenes unfolded at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun on Saturday as proud parents pinned stars on the shoulders of newly commissioned cadets, formally welcoming them into the ranks of the Indian Army.

The traditional ceremony followed the grand Passing Out Parade, marking the culmination of years of rigorous training and discipline for the young officers.

Among the standout achievers was Sword of Honour recipient Lieutenant Vishal Kumar, who attributed his success to the unwavering support of his instructors and family.

"I owe this to my instructors and my parents, who dedicated so much time to this. They prioritised this goal above other things, and that is how I have achieved this milestone today," he told ANI.

Recalling the origins of his dream, Vishal said his military journey began in childhood.

"I attended a military school during my childhood, where the environment and training methods were modelled after the NDA. That inspired me to join the NDA, and today, I have received my commission," he said.

Another newly commissioned officer, Shanan Dhaka, described the occasion as a moment of immense pride coupled with a profound sense of responsibility.

Coming from a military background, she said the profession represented much more than a career choice.

"It is a way of life that I have witnessed since childhood," she said, reflecting on the values and traditions that shaped her decision to serve the nation.

President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, attended the Passing Out Parade as the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer.

The President reviewed the parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course and extended her congratulations and best wishes to the newly commissioned officers.

Addressing the cadets, she urged them to uphold the ideals of dedication, discipline, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to duty while protecting the nation.

She emphasised that military officers are not merely defenders of India's borders but also guardians of the hopes, trust and honour of the country's 1.4 billion citizens.

One of the most notable features of this year's Passing Out Parade was the commissioning of nine women cadets, reflecting the growing role of women in the armed forces and marking another significant step towards greater inclusivity in the Indian military.

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As the newly commissioned officers marched out of the academy and into service, the ceremony stood as both a celebration of personal achievement and a reaffirmation of the values of sacrifice and service that define the Indian Army.