In a momentous ceremony marking its Silver Jubilee, the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) in Gaya witnessed the commissioning of 118 officer cadets into the Indian Army and Assam Rifles.
The 25th Passing Out Parade, reviewed by Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, was a testament to the academy’s commitment to nurturing future military leaders.
The parade saw 58 cadets from the Special Commissioned Officers Course (SCOC-52), including 15 from Assam Rifles, and 60 from the Technical Entry Scheme (TES-43) course, drawn from various military engineering institutes, taking their final step, the ‘Antim Pag,’ towards officership.
The event was a showcase of precision and discipline, with Academy Under Officer Pankaj Sharma leading the parade. Lt Gen Dwivedi presented medals to cadets who excelled during training. Battalion Under Officer D Subhash clinched the prestigious Sword of Honour and Gold Medal as the Overall Best Cadet in TES-43 and will join the Madras Regiment. Battalion Cadet Quartermaster Subham Singh Tanwar and Academy Under Officer Pankaj Sharma won the Silver and Bronze medals respectively.
In the SCOC-52, Academy Cadet Adjutant Jagsir Singh, soon to join the Corps of Army Aviation, was awarded the Silver Medal for being the Overall Best Cadet. The Chief of Army Staff Banner for the Champion Company went to Gurez Company. Addressing the new officers, Lt Gen Dwivedi emphasized the importance of upholding army values and combining compassion with professional competence in leadership. The ceremony also included a solemn wreath-laying at the War Memorial, honoring fallen heroes.
The pipping ceremony, where cadets donned their officer stars, was an emotional moment for the cadets and their families. A day earlier, on June 7, families and dignitaries were treated to a multi-activity display featuring equestrian shows, motorcycle stunts, aerial maneuvers, and cultural performances. This Silver Jubilee celebration not only marks a significant milestone for OTA Gaya but also reinforces the Indian Army’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of leaders ready to serve the nation with valor and integrity.
