Category: Defence

Indian Military Academy Autumn Term 2018: 810 GCs Participate In Cross-Country Event

Sumit SharmaLeave a Comment on Indian Military Academy Autumn Term 2018: 810 GCs Participate In Cross-Country Event
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GCs taking part in the cross-country event held at IMA, Dehradun (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

The Indian Military Academy is an institute where boys are groomed into men. Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) during their training at this premier institute are exposed to multifarious activities such as Weapon Training, Service and Academic Subjects, Drill, Physical Training, Sports, Outdoor Camps and extracurricular activities. These are aimed at making them battle ready and teach them necessary skills to execute various responsibilities and operational tasks with utmost professionalism during their service career. GCs are are also encouraged to achieve excellence at individual level and contribute constructively in team effort to infuse a sense of comradeship amongst them.

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Lt Gen S K Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Commandant, IMA flagged off the event  (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

As part of part of the training schedule, a cross country run as of GCs of Autumn term 2018 was held at the prestigious Indian Military Academy on 19 October 2018. The cross-country run is of 12 Kms. Lt Gen S K Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Commandant of the academy flagged off the event which tests the limits of physical endurance, determination and will power of GCs.

The most colourful and awaited event of the academy saw participation of 810 gentle man cadets of IInd and IIIrd terms.  Highlight of the Cross country of this autumn term has been the joshful participation and increased sense of involvement of the Gentleman cadets with 100℅ participation and not having even a single dropout.

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 Keren Comapny of Bhagat Battalion attained the first position with 742 points (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

Keren Company of Bhagat Battalion attained the first position with 742 points, while Basantar Company of the same Battalion got second position with 706 points. Jessore Company of Manekshaw Battalion came third on difference of average score with 706 points.

 

 

GC SHIVKANT YADAV WITH GOLD
(Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academ
GC Himanshu Kashyap of Dograi Company came 2nd (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)
GC Abhishek Rai of Alamein Company came 3rd (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

GC shivkant yadav of Alamein Company with a timing of 38.16 minutes got first position while GC Himanshu Kashyap of Dograi Company and GC Abhishek Rai of Alamein Company came 2nd & 3rd with timings of 38.32 and 38.39 minutes respectively.

 

Tug of war competition between commandant 15 and deputy commandant and Chief instructor 15 (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy, Dehradun)
Tug of war competition between commandant 15 and deputy commandant and Chief instructor 15 (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy, Dehradun)

The event culminated with tug of war competition among new entrant Gentleman cadets followed by similar competition between commandant 15 and deputy commandant and Chief instructor 15 in which instructors of the Academy participated. The event witnessed a cheerful participation by officers, ladies and children of the Academy.

 

 

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Col Govardhan Gopal Gudur – A Passionate Officer, True Gentleman And Inspiration For Young Officers

Sumit SharmaLeave a Comment on Col Govardhan Gopal Gudur – A Passionate Officer, True Gentleman And Inspiration For Young Officers
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Col. Govardhan Gopal Gudur

The Indian Army lost a brave officer, Col Govardhan Gopal Gudur last week. Col Gudur, Commanding officer of the Sikh Li Regiment was born on October 23, 1977 in Bangaluru. He cleared his 10th and 12th boards from Kendriya Vidylaya (KV) Kanpur and KV Chandigarh. Even after clearing IIT Entrance Exam he preferred to join the National Defence Academy (NDA). He joined the 96th Course of the academy in Kilo Squadron and passed out from the Mike Squadron as Battalion Cadet Captain.

On May 13, 2000 Col Gudur commissioned into the Sikh Li Regiment as Lieutenant. He immediately became Ghatak Platoon Commander. With his hard work and dedication he lifted the Divison Trophy as platoon commander. He also achieved top 10 position in the JC course at Infantry School Mhow. He also held the prestigious appointment in Armoured Brigade at Jaisalmer.

He also served as a Tactical Training Officer at the NDA from August 2009 to March 11. He is popularly known as 3G among cadets for his image as a strict trainer. Col Gudur was also appointed as the Military Advisor to the President of Seychelles from March 14 to March 16. On October 4, 2016 he took over the command of Sikh Li Regiment as the Commanding Officer at Tibri Cantt, Gurdaspur, Punjab.

Col Gudur sharing his real life experiences as a peace keeper in Lake Kivu and Katanga regions of Congo:

His unit also took over operational responsibility on April 1, 2018 at Kokrajhar in Assam. His untimely demise has left a void in the hearts of his loved ones. He is survived by his wife Harshita Gudur and his son Medhansh Gudur.

May his soul Rest in Peace.

Jai Hind

India To Buy NASAMS-II From United States To Shield Important Cities; $1 Billion Deal Approved By DAC

Sumit SharmaLeave a Comment on India To Buy NASAMS-II From United States To Shield Important Cities; $1 Billion Deal Approved By DAC
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NASAMS-II Missile System (Picture Courtesy: Twitter/@defenseworld)

India is set to join the United States of America and Russia in providing advanced missile shield to its important cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Nirmarla Sitaraman, has approved the plan to procure the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System-II (NASAMS) through a government-to government deal with US. The entire deal would be close to $ 1billion. Nasams-II is manufactured by Kongsberg and Raytheon.

The new missile system will replace aging Russian Pechora air defense systems. NASAMS-II will be armed with 3-D sentinel radar and short and medium-range missile launchers. It can also track and shoots down multiple airborne threats such as cruise missile, drones and fighter jets. This missile

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also developing two-tier ballistic missile defence (BMD) shield. The missile system of DRDO will be capable of tracking and destroying nuclear missiles both inside and outside the earth’s atmosphere. Once developed the BMD shield will be deployed to protect cities like New Delhi and Mumbai, whereas NASMAS-II will be used to intercept cruise missiles and aircraft. India is likely to issue letter of request to the US by the end of this year.

NASAMS II – a highly adaptable mid-range air defense system. Its battery consists of 12 missile launchers carrying six missiles each. The missile system employs the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) as the primary weapon. The RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile can also be fired by the NASAMS-II.

Indian Military Academy Gives 383 officers to Indian Army; 74 Foreign GC’s Also Completed Training

Sumit SharmaLeave a Comment on Indian Military Academy Gives 383 officers to Indian Army; 74 Foreign GC’s Also Completed Training
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(Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)

457 GCs of 142 Regular Course, 125 Technical Graduate Course and 25 UES Course, including 74 Foreign Gentlemen Cadets (GC’s) from seven friendly foreign countries passed out from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun on 09 Jun 2018. General Rajendra Chhetri, AWC, CGSC, MSS, Chief of Army Staff, Nepal Army, reviewed the parade. The GOC-in-C, ARTRAC Lt Gen MM Naravane, AVSM, SM, VSM, delegation members and Defence Attaches also witnessed the Parade. The GCs displayed tremendous enthusiasm, vigour and zeal, putting up an excellent show, marching to Military tunes of `Col Bogey’ and `Sare Jahan Se Achha’ with pride and élan.

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Nepalese Army Chief General Rajendra Chhetri taking Guard of Honour (Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

Congratulating the GCs on successful completion of their training at IMA, the Reviewing Officer complimented all cadets for the excellent parade, immaculate turnout as well as the crisp and energetic drill movements indicating the high standards of training and discipline imbibed by the young Gentlemen Cadets.

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General Chhetri along With Commandant of IMA Lt.Gen. SK Jha reviewing the Parade (Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

He also congratulated the award winners on their commendable achievement which is a reflection of their hard work and toil that they have put in while undergoing training here in IMA. He expressed his felicitations to the Gentlemen Cadets of friendly foreign countries who were also getting commissioned.

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General Chhetri addressing media briefing (Picture courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

At the end he said that IMA’s world class reputation and the achievements of its Officers are attributed to the outstanding quality of its instructors and staff. He acknowledged the commitment of the instructors and staff of the IMA and their dedication to the Gentlemen Cadets. Complimenting the effort, he said, that the IMA has instilled in the GCs a sense of duty, loyalty and service to the Nation. Finally, he congratulated the parents and the families once again for the accomplishment of the vibrant, energetic young men, which is a result of their support and encouragement.

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Reviewing Officer presenting awards to the winners (Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

 

The Reviewing Officer presented the following awards:-

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Winner of ‘Sword of Honour’ Sachin Kumar Chahar with his grandmother (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)
  • The coveted award of the Sword of Honour was presented to ACA SACHIN KUMAR CHAHAR.
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Gold Medalist Aaditya Neekhara with his family (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)
  • Gold Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit was presented to BUO AADITYA NEEKHARA.

 

  • Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was presented to BUO AATISH SEHGAL.

 

  • Bronze Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing Third in the Order of Merit was presented to SUO KULDEEP NANASAHEB PAWAR.

 

  • Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Technical Graduate Course was presented to JUO ROHIT DILIP PATWARDHAN.
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Best Foreign GC  BUKHORI SAYDULLOEV (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)
  • Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Foreign GCs was presented to SUO BUKHORI SAYDULLOEV.

 

  • Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to MIEKTILA COY, THIMAYYA BN for standing Overall First amongst 16 companies for the Spring Term 2018.
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Oldest Instructor of IMA Subedar Major Sultan SIngh Shekhawat (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)
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Newly Commissioned officers celebrating after Piping Ceremony (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)

This time around 63 officerss have commissioned from Uttar Pradesh, 33 from uttrakjand, Haryana has given 49 officers where as 29 officers are commissioned from Punjab. Till date 58282 officers have been commissioned into the Indian Army, where as 2181 foreign officers have successfully completed their training from the academy.

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PRO of IMA Lt. Col. Dinesh Sharma (Extreme Left) (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)

 

The Commentators enthralled audience with their magic of their words. The commentary team of the IMA included GC Dogra, Col Jiwan Kumar Singh, Mrs Aaditi Sharma, Maj Preeti Yadav. Lt. Col Dinesh who is instructor at IMA also handles an additional responsibility of public relations.

Countdown Begins: Sound and Light Show at IMA on the Eve of Passing Out Parade; 383 Cadets to get Commissioned Into The Indian Army Today: Here is the State-Wise List

Sumit SharmaLeave a Comment on Countdown Begins: Sound and Light Show at IMA on the Eve of Passing Out Parade; 383 Cadets to get Commissioned Into The Indian Army Today: Here is the State-Wise List
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Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy, Dehradun

On the eve of the Passing Out Parade, Indian Military Academy organized a Continuity Drill and “Son-et-Lumiere’’ (Sound and Light show) for the parents of the passing out course and the visiting dignitaries on 08 Jun 2018. The distinguished guests included the Reviewing Officer Gen Rajendra Chhetri, AWC, CGSC, MSS, Chief of Army Staff, Nepal Army, the GOC-in-C, ARTRAC Lt Gen MM Naravane, AVSM, SM, VSM, delegation members, Defence Attaches, parents and family members of the GCs of the passing out course.

Video Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun

Held at the historic Chetwode Drill Square which provided the pristine environment for the conduct of the event, the spectacular show commenced with exquisite movements of Continuity Drill by the Gentlemen Cadets (GCs). A contingent comprised of ___ participating cadets bidding farewell to the senior colleagues, conducted a masterly display of drill movements synchronized with an accompanying band. Following the continuity drill was the spectacular “Son-et-Lumiere” show, a multimedia, audio-visual presentation on the theme “Indian Military Academy Through the Ages” which took the audience on a nostalgic journey of the Academy from its inception to its present status. The spectacular show combined with the effects of brilliant light and sound mesmerized the august gathering.

Here is the state-wise list of Gentlemen Cadets to be commissioned today

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‘Multi-Activity Display’ Showcasing High Standards of Training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun

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Picture Courtesy : Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
  1. Showcasing the high standards of the training and physical excellence achieved by the Gentlemen Cadets of Indian Military Academy, a Multi Activity Display was conducted at Somnath Stadium on 08 Jun 2018 as a prelude to the Passing out Parade. The Display was witnessed by a large gathering of spectators, which included the Passing out Course, their parents and relatives. The show was graced by General Rajendra Chhetri, AWC, CGSC, MSS, COAS Nepal, the Reviewing Officer for the Passing out Parade.

Video Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun

  1. The aim of training at the Academy includes developing physical fitness and a robust mind with a sense of adventure amongst the Gentlemen Cadets. The Gentlemen Cadets showed dare devil acts on horse back, which included tent pegging, trick riding and showjumping. Further, a scintillating performance was put up by the Gentleman Cadets showcasing their physical prowess through their gymnastic agility and acrobatic skills. A Motorcycle display team from Army Adventure Cell, “ASC TORNADOES” thrilled the audience by display of their skills at manoeuvring motorcycles and daredevil acts.

IMA Award Ceremony of Passing Out Course of 142 Regular, 125th TGC and 25th UES courses held at the Khetrapal Auditorium

Sumit SharmaLeave a Comment on IMA Award Ceremony of Passing Out Course of 142 Regular, 125th TGC and 25th UES courses held at the Khetrapal Auditorium

 

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(Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

The Award Ceremony of Passing Out Course of 142 Regular, 125th TGC & 25th UES courses was held at the Khetrapal Auditorium, IMA on 06 Jun 2018. Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Commandant, Indian Military Academy bestowed recognition and awards on outstanding Gentlemen Cadets who excelled in various fields during their pre-commission training at the Academy.

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(Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

Gentlemen Cadets during their training at this premier institute are exposed to multifarious activities such as Weapon Training, Service and Academic Subjects, Drill, Physical Training, Sports, Outdoor Camps and extracurricular activities. These are aimed at making them battle ready and teach them necessary skills to execute various responsibilities and operational tasks with utmost professionalism during their service career.

Gentlemen Cadets are also encouraged to achieve excellence at individual level and contribute constructively in team effort to infuse a sense of comradeship amongst them. Accordingly, Medals and Rolling trophies have been instituted at IMA, which mark the highest standards achieved at the Individual and Company levels.

On the occasion the following Gentlemen Cadets and Foreign Gentlemen Cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries were felicitated :-

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(Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)
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(Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

 

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IMA Commandant Lt. Gen SK Jha addressing gentlemen cadets (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

At the end, the Commandant in his address mentioned that it was important for an officer to maintain a competitive streak within the parameters of sportsmanship and fair play at all times. He mentioned that the urge to win and excel as a team should always be there. In the profession of arms, it is always a collective and a team effort that is important and there are no runners up in war.

 

Former DGMO Lt.Gen. Ranbir Singh Who Announced Surgical Strikes is Now Northern Army Commander; Lt.Gen. Devraj Anbu Takes Charge as Vice Chief Of Army Staff

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Lt. Gen RAnbir Singh (Picture Courtesy: Twitter)

Lt General Ranbir Singh, who informed the media about surgical strikes in Pakistan, has assumed the charge of Northern Army commander. He replaced Lt. Gen. Devraj Anbu, who is now Vice Chief of Army Staff. The 58-year-old Lt. Gen. will be the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command. The command is stationed at Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lt.Gen. Singh was the Director General Military Operations (DGMO) when Indian Army commandos conducted the surgical strikes against insurgent camps in Myanmar in June 2015 and also when India carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan to destroy terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 29, 2016. He briefed the media about the operations. The Northern Army Commander is likely to be in the race of the Army Chief’s post after General Bipin Rawat. He has also served as a Colonel and Brigadier in the military operations directorate.

Lt. Gen. Singh was commissioned into the 9th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment in 1980. He has also commanded a Mountain Brigade, an Armoured Division and a Strike Corps. As part of his international assignments, he served in United Peace Keeping missions at Rwanda and Chief Operations Officer at Sudan.

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Lt. Gen Devraj Anbu (Picture Courtesy: Twitter/@PIB_India)

Lt. Gen. Devraj Anbu also assumed the charge of Vice Chief of the Army Staff on Friday. He succeeded Lt.Gen.Sarath Chand. The baton was handed over to Lt.Gen. Anbu by Lt. Gen. Chand in a ceremony at South Block in Delhi.

Lt.Gen. Anbu is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla. He was commissioned into the 14 Sikh Light Infantry on June 7, 1980. Lt. Gen. Anbu has served in all types of operational environment including  Siachen Glacier, counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast. He also served in‘OP PAWAN’ in Sri Lanka.

During his 37-year military career, the General Officer commanded his unit during ‘OP PARAKRAM’, an Infantry Brigade on the Line of Control in the Kashmir Valley,. He also commanded a Mountain Division in Sikkim, the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan and Gajraj Corps in the Eastern Theatre. The General has been awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) for operations in ‘OP Meghdoot’, Yudh Seva Medal during command of the Brigade, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal during command of the Division and Uttam Yudh Seva Medal during the command of an elite operational Corps.

Lt. Gen. Anbu was the Instructor at the National Defence Academy. As part of his international assignments he served as an International Military Observer with UN Peacekeeping Mission at Namibia.

 

United States Raises Concerns Over India’s Deal With Russia to Procure S-400 Triumf

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S-400 Triumf Missile (Picture Courtesy: Twitter)

The United States is concerned over India’s plans to sign a deal with Russia to procure the S-400 air defence system. The deal is worth Rs 40,000. Chairman of the US House Armed Services Committee Mac Thornberry said that India’s move would hinder the military ties between the two countries. According to Thornberry, concerns about India’s potential purchase of the S-400 have been conveyed to different levels of the US government.

Members of US House Armed Services Committee in India were of the opinion that procuring the Russian system would also make it difficult for the US to share sensitive technology with India in the future. “There is a lot of concern in the US administration and Congress with the S-400. There is concern that any country that acquires the system will complicate the ability of interoperability (with US forces),” reported Economic Times quoted Mac Thornberry as saying.

Thornberry also said that India should consider the decision to purchase the Russian missile system.  India is likely to Ink the deal for procuring S-400 Triumf missile system before October’s annual summit between Prime Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The US had announced sanctions against Russia for its alleged involvement in meddling in the US presidential elections. Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) came into effect in January. Many US lawmakers and experts are of the opinion that India should be exempted from CAATSA.

In April this year, India has issued a Request of Information for the purchase of 110 fighter jets worth $15 billion. The two US-based companies Lockheed Martin and Boeing are pitching their respective fighter jets. Both the companies have agreed to transfer the technology to India. The US is planning to shift entire production line of Lockheed Martin F-16 jet in India. It will be interesting to see whether the US will put under CAATSA after India inks deal with Russia to acquire the most advanced air defence system.

S-400 is an advanced version of S-300. The missile system is capable of travelling at a rate of 4.8 kilometres per second (17,000 km/h; Mach 14). The missile system can destroy incoming enemy fighter jets, missiles and even drones up to the range of 400 km. This missile system is manufactured by Almaz-Antey and is serving Russian Military since 2007.

IMA Ball Night -Spring Term 2018 – An Evening of Joy and Merriment For Gentlemen Cadets

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IMA Commandant Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM with the winners (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

The glittering and most awaited social event for the Spring Term 2018, the ‘IMA Ball’, was held on 26 May 2018 at the Indian Military Academy (IMA). The IMA Ball is held towards the end of each term to mark the culmination of the rigorous training schedule of the Passing Out Course. The event marked with fun and frolic can also be termed as the  ‘Break Up Party’ for the Third Termers. The IMA Ball is a precursor to the final event – The Passing Out Parade of the IMA, which is on 09 June 2018.

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Miss IMA 2018 Asmita Jagwani (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

The evening of joy, merriment and nostalgia commenced with the Commandant IMA, Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, who set the ball rolling.  The Gentleman Cadets in evening military attire and the ladies in their dazzling best graced the gala event.

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Mr IMA Gentleman Cadet Shitij Sharma (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)
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IMA Commandant Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM arriving at IMA Ball Night (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)

The highlight of the evening was the selection of Mr IMA and Miss IMA, in which the Gentleman Cadets and their lady guests participated whole-heartedly with great zeal and enthusiasm. Miss Asmita Jagwani was adjudged as Miss IMA and Gentleman Cadet Shitij Sharma was declared as Mr IMA. The proud winners won exquisite gift hampers.