Chennai: A total of 322 officer cadets including 266 gentlemen cadets and 31 lady cadets were commissioned as officers of the Indian Army during the passing out parade of the Officers Training Academy at Chennai on Saturday. A total of 25 cadets from Bhutan, Maldives, Fiji and Afghanistan also were commissioned into their respective armies, following the completion of training at the Academy.
Lieutenant General PM Hariz, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, reviewed the parade, which was commanded by Academy under officer (AUO) Abhishek R.
Addressing the parade, the reviewing officer congratulated OTA for having toiled hard to turn out a dynamic group of young military leaders. The most coveted sword of honour and the gold medal was presented to AUO Abhishek R. The silver medal for standing second in overall order of merit was awarded to BCA Aarushi Sharma and the bronze to ACA Vivek. The COAS banner for champion company was awarded to Jessami Company.
The officer cadets marched out with precision from Parameshwaran Drill Square to the tune of 'Auld Lang Syne', taking the final step and thus symbolising the end of their training.
They were pipped (putting on rank badges on uniform) by their parents, following which the oath taking ceremony was conducted.
