281 officer cadets commissioned into Army at Gaya OTA parade

Patna: The 28th passing out parade at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya, on Saturday was marked by pride and emotion as 281 officer cadets were commissioned into the Indian Army.

The ceremony featured the traditional pipping ritual, where parents affixed the rank insignia on their children’s shoulders, formally marking their induction as officers. Families of the newly commissioned officers were seen beaming with pride as the cadets completed their training and stepped into military service.The newly commissioned officers — comprising 253 male and 28 female cadets — were congratulated by Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, general officer commanding-in-chief, southern command, who urged them to uphold the values and traditions of the Indian Army.

The parade showcased the cadets’ drill, coordination and smart turnout.The parade marked the successful culmination of rigorous and transformational military training, reflecting the academy’s commitment to excellence, discipline and leadership, in line with its motto — ‘Shaurya, Gyan, Sankalp’ (courage, knowledge, resolve).Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Seth urged them to embrace innovation, continuously upgrade their knowledge and remain adaptable in an evolving battlefield environment, while steadfastly upholding the core values and traditions of the Indian Army.

The 253 officer cadets were from the Short Service Commission Technical Entry (Men) - 64th Course, and 28 female officer cadets were from the Short Service Commission Technical Entry (Women) - 35th Course.The coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ was presented to Academy Under Officer Kuldeep for being adjudged the best all-rounder.The gold medal for the officer cadet, standing first in the order of merit, was presented to battalion under officer Aswin Kirupai.

The silver medal for the officer cadet, standing second in the order of merit, was presented to academy under officer Kuldeep. The bronze medal for the officer cadet, standing third in the order of merit, was presented to battalion cadet adjutant Charan GV. Gurez Company won the ‘Chief of Army Staff Banner’ for being the overall champion company.The parade concluded with the traditional Antim Pag. This was followed by the Pipping Ceremony, where stars were adorned on the officers’ shoulders by the family members and the solemn oath of allegiance was administered.Colonel Pankaj Jain’s Hindi commentary made the event more successful and entertaining for the audience.