DEHRADUN: The Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday reviewed the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Autumn Term 2025 at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, commissioning 525 officer cadets, including 34 from friendly foreign nations, into the Indian Army.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the General lauded their immaculate turnout, discipline and bearing, and reminded them that the uniform they now wear carries honour, responsibility and sacrifice—especially at a time when the nation faces evolving security challenges along its borders and rapid military modernisation.
What truly set the ceremony apart, however, was a spontaneous and powerful moment of leadership by example.
Defying age and convention, General Dwivedi joined the young officers on the drill square to perform push-ups, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.
The gesture instantly became the most talked-about moment of the parade, symbolising the enduring spirit, stamina and enthusiasm of a soldier that transcends age and rank.
General exuded the same energy and grit as the freshly inducted officers, turning the act into a lifelong memory for the cadets and a lesson in leading from the front.
Many described it as a rare reminder of the deep personal bonds that define military life—where commanders inspire not just through words, but through action.
The Passing Out Parade marked the successful culmination of rigorous training at the IMA, often referred to as the “cradle of leadership”.
As the young officers step into active service, the message from the drill square was clear: the Indian Army’s ethos of courage, camaraderie and commitment remains as strong as ever.
The parade comprised cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme (TES), 140th Technical Graduate Course (TGC), 55th Short Service Commission (SCO) and TA Officers’ Entry Examination (OEE) 2023 courses.
The newly commissioned officers impressed the dignitaries and spectators alike with immaculate drill, flawless coordination and an exceptional turnout on the historic Chetwode Drill Square.
Addressing the parade, General Dwivedi congratulated the Officer Cadets and their proud parents, describing commissioning into the Armed Forces as a singular honour and a lifelong commitment to the nation.
He exhorted the young officers to constantly strive for excellence, uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army and rise to the evolving challenges of military service.
The presence of cadets from friendly foreign nations once again underlined IMA’s global standing as a premier military training institution and India’s enduring defence cooperation with partner countries.
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