GAYA, BIHAR — The Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Gaya was filled with military precision, pride, and patriotic fervor as 253 newly trained officer cadets crossed the iconic 'Antim Pag' (Final Step) to officially join the ranks of the Indian Army.

The ceremony marked the culmination of months of rigorous tactical, physical, and leadership training for the 4th batch of the Short Service Commission (Technical Entry). Among the graduating cohort were 218 male cadets from the SSC (Tech)-65 course and 35 female cadets from the SSC (Tech)-36 course, showcasing an inspiring stride toward gender integration within technical military domains.

High-Ranking Dignitaries and Ceremonial Parade

Lieutenant General Le Van Huong, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, served as the Reviewing Officer for the parade. Impressed by the crisp, synchronized drill and martial discipline on display, Lt. Gen. Huong commended the parade commander, Academy Under Officer P. Shashi Kumar, and the entire contingent for their flawless performance.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Lt. Gen. Huong emphasized the importance of adaptive leadership, continuous learning, and mastering emerging technologies in modern warfare. He urged the young lieutenants to uphold the sacred traditions and values of the Indian Army while remaining agile to lead effectively in both peacetime and conflict scenarios.

Awards and Achievements

Several outstanding cadets were recognized for exceptional performance during their training regime:

  • Sword of Honor & Gold Medal: Awarded to Academy Under Officer P. Shashi Kumar for securing first place in the Overall Order of Merit and being named the Best All-Rounder. He has been commissioned into the Gorkha Rifles.

  • Silver Medal: Presented to Battalion Under Officer Deepak Singh Rawat for securing second place in overall merit. He was commissioned into the Rajput Regiment.

  • Bronze Medal: Awarded to Academy Cadet Adjutant Navneet Singh for finishing third in the merit list. He was commissioned into the elite Para Special Forces.

  • Chief of Army Staff Banner: Awarded to the Kalidhar Company for achieving overall supremacy among training companies.

Pipping Ceremony and Solemn Oath

Following the parade, the atmosphere turned deeply emotional during the Pipping Ceremony. Proud parents and family members pinned stars onto the uniforms of the young officers, symbolizing their transition into leaders of men and women.

The ceremony concluded as Academy Adjutant Lieutenant Colonel Prakhar Dhagat administered the solemn oath of allegiance and service to the motherland. With shoulders high and hearts committed to duty, the 253 officers stepped forward into a life dedicated to nation-building and national security.