A total of 322 officer cadets got commissioned into the Army. This comprised 266 gentleman cadets and 31 lady cadets. Also, 25 cadets from Bhutan, Maldives, Fiji and Afghanistan will return to their contingents.
For over 52 years now, Officers Training Academy (OTA) has been one of Chennai’s best-kept secrets. Established in 1963 to train officers for Emergency Commission in the Army, it now trains those between 22 and 25 years for the Short Service Commission. It is also the only Academy, among the country’s four Army training establishments, which commissions women to be officers.
Donning the uniform has been a dream for all of them; many have defied the wishes of their families to join. Commissioned officers passed out jubilantly at Parameshwaran grounds at OTA in Chennai on Saturday. Photo: R. Ravindran
The curriculum covers every aspect of soldiering, including battle inoculation, and ensures that cadets are well acquainted with every kind of terrain and operation they are likely to encounter. The Reviewing Officer congratulated the OTA for having toiled hard to turn out a dynamic group of young military leaders. Photo: R. Ravindran
General Officer Commanding in-Chief (Southern Command) Lt. Gen. P.M. Hariz spoke at the passing-out parade at Officers Training Academy (OTA). He said, “The Indian Army is admired globally for its professionalism in handling critical situations.” Photo: R. Ravindran
Two women are among the 31 lady cadets who passed out of OTA. Photo: R. Ravindran
Swati Mahadik, wife of late Col. Santosh Mahadik, passed out from the OTA. Santosh Mahadik laid down his life while fighting terrorists in Kupwara. Photo: PTI
Nidhi Dubey, another martyr’s widow became an officer. Nidhi Dubey was only 25 when her husband Mukesh Kumar Dubey, an army jawan, died of a cardiac arrest. Photo: R. Ravindran
“I was initially scared of water and hesitant to take the 10-m jump in the water. But I overcame my fears after the officers warned me that the course would be extended for another six months,” Swati Mahadik said. Photo: R. Ravindran
As important as the military skills, are the indefinable virtues that go into making an officer and a gentleman — leadership potential and the courage to lead in battle. The coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ and the gold medal were presented to Abhishek R. Photo: R. Ravindran
The Chief of Army Staff banner for the champion company was presented to Jessami Company. Photo: R. Ravindran
The silver medal for standing second in overall order of merit was given to Aarushi Sharma and the bronze medal for standing third was awarded to Vivek. Photo: R. Ravindran
Army soldiers return from the scene of a gun fight in Shopian district of south Kashmir on Sunday. In a first, a militant on Sunday surrendered during an encounter. | Photo Credit:
NISSAR AHMAD
Soldiers leave the scene of an encounter with militants in Shopian district of south Kashmir on September 10, 2017. | Photo Credit:
Nissar Ahmad