Are young officers ready for evolving battlefield? A call for innovation at OTA Gaya

Gaya: Lt. General Anindya Sengupta urged young officers to embrace innovation, upgrade their knowledge and remain adaptable in a rapidly evolving battlefield as 207 cadets, including 23 women, were commissioned as officers in the Indian Army at the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Gaya on Saturday.The commissioning followed the 27th passing out parade (PoP) held in the morning, where Lt General Sengupta, general officer commanding-in-chief of central command, reviewed the parade and presented medals to cadets who had excelled during training.He told the cadets that leadership must be purposeful, technologically aware and flexible. Stressing the importance of blending tradition with forward-looking leadership, he said this was vital for effective command in both peace and war.The 207 cadets included 184 from the second batch of SSC (technical) men-63 and 23 from the SSC (technical) women-34 course. The commissioning ceremony saw family members place stars on the cadets’ shoulders during the pipping ceremony, signifying their transition into officers in regiments such as 9 Grenadiers, 11 Jat, 7 Kumaon, 118 Engineering (Bombay) and others.On Friday evening, parents of first-time officer cadets were honoured under the Gaurav Padak felicitation ceremony.

Among the award winners, academy cadet adjutant Monu Kumar secured the gold medal for topping the overall order of merit while Piyush Dimri and Mukta Singh won silver and bronze, respectively. Piyush also commanded the PoP parade. Battalion under officer Kulthe Dhruv received the coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ for being adjudged best all-rounder. Kalidhar Company was awarded the chief of army staff banner for overall champion company.