Category: Defence

IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Lt Reza Khalid Rejects IIT, Prefers to Serve Nation by Joining Indian Army

The Passing Out Parade (POP) of of 144 Regular Course, 127 Technical Graduate Course and 27 UES Course was held at Indian Military Academy’s (IMA) Drill Square on June 8, 2019. A total of 382 Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) took oath to serve the nation till their last breathe. Among the newly commissioned officers, Lt Reza Khalid preferred to serve in the Indian Army over joining the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Indian Army Gets 382 Officers, 77 GCs Passed Out From Indian Military Academy.

Lt Khalid who hails from Ranchi, cleared the entrance examinations of IIT and also of BITS Palani in the first attempt. But the the officer chose to join the armed forces. Lt Khalid joined the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla in 2015. After three years of training at the institute, he was for one year at the IMA. The officer’s father Mohammed Khalid is retired government employee from the state food department.

Lt Reza Khali’s Media Interaction:

Talking to media, Lt Khalid said that he joined the Indian Army as wnted to serve the nation. He further added that he wanted respect, dignity and power in life, which he will get by joining the armed forces. The officer was commissioned into the Punjab Regiment. IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Identical Twins Commissioned Into Indian Army After Completing Training From Indian Military Academy.

On Saturday a total of 459 GCs including 77 cadets from friendly foreign countries joined passed out from the IMA. General Officer Commanding in Chief South Western Command Lieutenant General Cherish Mathson PVSM, VSMSM, SM reviewed the parade. Maximum number of 72 officers were commissioned from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar with 46 officers. Meanwhile, 33 officers were commissioned from Punjab. Among the GCs of the friendly foreign countries, 45 cadets from Afghanistan completed their training.

(Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)

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IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Identical Twins Commissioned Into Indian Army After Completing Training From Indian Military Academy

Indian Military Academy (IMA) is the institute where boys are groomed into men. On June 8, the Passing Out Parade (POP) was held at IMA’s Drill Square. In a rare occasion, identical twins, Abhinav Pathak ans Parinav Pathak  have been commissioned into the Indian Army. Both the brothers hail from Amritsar, but their family currently resided in Jalandhar. They joined the IMA through 127 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) after clearing the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Indian Army Gets 382 Officers, 77 GCs Passed Out From Indian Military Academy.

Abhinav, who is two minutes elder to Parinav will be part of Army Air Defence (AAD), while his brother has been commissioned into Army Aviation Core. Initially, Parinav will serve in the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. Both the brothers pursued 12th from the Senior Study  – II, Amritsar. Abhinav did his computer science engineering from DAV Institute of Engineering in Jalandhar, while Parinav studied mechanical engineering from Guru Nanak Dev Engneering Collage in Ludhiana. Talking to the media, they said that during their schooling they were motivated by their teachers. They also revealed that during their schooling and during training at the IMA, often Abhinav was misidentified as Parinav and vice versa. IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Multi Activity Display And ‘Son-Et-Lumiere’ Show Held at India Military Academy.

On Saturday, a total of 459 Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) of 144 Regular Course, 127 Technical Graduate Course and 27 UES Course, including 77 Foreign GC’s from friendly foreign June 8, 2019. General Officer Commanding in Chief South Western Command Lieutenant General Cherish Mathson PVSM, VSMSM, SM reviewed the parade. GC’s marched with full enthusiasm and vigour during the Passing Out Parade (POP) held at the iconic Chetwode Hall Building. IMA Ball Night – Spring Term 2019: Precursor to June 8 Passing Out Parade Held at Indian Military Academy.

Maximum number of 72 officers were commissioned from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar with 46 officers. Meanwhile, 33 officers were commissioned from Punjab. Among the GCs of the friendly foreign countries, 45 cadets from Afghanistan completed their training. The coveted award of the Sword of Honour and Bronze Medal was presented to Senior Under Officer (SUO) Akshat Raj.

(Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)

 

IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Indian Army Gets 382 Officers, 77 GCs Passed Out From Indian Military Academy

A total of 459 Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) of 144 Regular Course, 127 Technical Graduate Course and 27 UES Course, including 77 Foreign GC’ from friendly foreign nations on June 8, 2019. General Officer Commanding in Chief South Western Command Lieutenant General Cherish Mathson PVSM, VSMSM, SM reviewed the parade. GC’s marched with full enthusiasm and vigour during the Passing Out Parade (POP) held at the iconic Chetwode Hall Building.

Maximum number of 72 officers were commissioned from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar with 46 officers. Meanwhile, 33 officers were commissioned from Punjab. Among the GCs of the friendly foreign countries, 45 cadets from Afghanistan completed their training.

Congratulating the GCs on successful completion of their training at IMA, the Reviewing Officer motivated the young officers. 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.

  • The coveted award of the Sword of Honour and Bronze Medal was presented to Senior Under Officer (SUO) Akshat Raj.
  • Gold Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was presented to Academy Cadet ADJT  Surendra Singh Bisht.
  • Bronze Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing Third in the Order of Merit was presented to SUO Kaushlesh Kumar Sinha.
  • Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Technical Graduate Course was presented to GC Junior Under Officer Karan Singh.
  • Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Foreign GCs was presented to Junior Under Officer Shirzad Sarbaz.
  • Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to Keren Copmany  for standing Overall First amongst 16 companies for the Spring Term 2019.

IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Commandant Parade Held at Chetwode Drill Square; 382 GCs to Join Indian Army on June 8

The historic Chetwode Drill Square played host to the Commandant’s Parade for spring term 2019 on June 6. The Commandant’s Parade marked the culmination of training of 382 Indian and 77 Gentlemen Cadets from nine friendly foreign countries. A large number of school children from Dehradun and neighbouring cities, local citizens and Army personnel with their families and friends witnessed the impressive parade.

Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Commandant, Indian Military Academy, Reviewing the Parade.JPG
Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Commandant, Indian Military Academy (Picture Courtesy: IMA)

Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Commandant, Indian Military Academy (IMA) who reviewed the Parade, complimented all the Gentlemen Cadets for an immaculate turnout and excellent drill movements, which indicated a high level of motivation, pride and cohesion achieved by them during their training at IMA. He also congratulated everyone for being on the verge of completing the training successfully. IMA Award Ceremony Spring Term 2019: Lt Gen SK Jha Bestows Recognition & Awards on Outstanding GCs.

DSC_0260.JPG
Commandant Parade held at Chetwode Drill Square (Picture Courtesy: IMA)

General S K Jha in his address to the Gentlemen Cadets highlighted that the Army’s reputation rests firmly on their shoulders. He said that they have earned this honour with hard work and they need to retain it by living up to the Army’s core values of Character, Competence, Commitment and Compassion. These values are reflected in the IMA’s Code of Conduct and Gentlemen Cadets aspiring to high ideals and pursuing excellence, must demonstrate these at all times. IMA Ball Night – Spring Term 2019: Precursor to June 8 Passing Out Parade Held at Indian Military Academy: Anushka Chauhan Adjudged Miss IMA, GC Armanjit Singh Declared Mr IMA.

The General officer also extended the compliments to the 77 Gentleman Cadets from the friendly foreign countries for having endured through the rigorous regimen of the training, exhibiting excellent transformation and are ready to don the ranks in their respective armies, as most refined officers. He said the strong bond of togetherness that they have developed in IMA shall foster into a concerted effort towards countering the umpteen global challenges the world faces today.

In the end, he encouraged the Gentlemen Cadets to put their best foot forward for the final Passing out Parade and wished all the

India Signs Rs 300 Crore Deal With Israel to Procure Advanced Version of SPICE-2000 Bombs Which IAF Used to Conduct Air Strikes In Balakot

India on Thursday signed a deal worth Rs 300 crore with Israel to acquire 100 SPICE Bombs with high explosive war heads for the Indian Air Force. The deal was signed under emergency provisions. The bombs which India is procuring are advanced version of SPICE-2000 bomb. According to reports, deliveries of these 100 bombs would be completed in the next three months. Pakistan’s F-16 Which Violated Indian Air Space Shot Down by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman with Mig-21 Bison; IAF Presents Cover of AMRAAM Missile As Evidence.

Interestingly, the IAF used these SPICE-2000 bombs while carrying out air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) headquarters in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in retaliation to February 14 Pulwama attack in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were martyred. Terror organisation JeM took responsibility for the attack. IAF Air Strikes in Pakistan: ‘We Don’t Count the Dead, Says Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa After BJP Chief Amit Shah Claims Over 250 JeM Terrorists Killed in Balakot.

SPICE-2000 bombs when dropped, create hole in the rooftops and explodes inside the building killing all those present there. However, the advanced version which India is now procuring have the capability to decimate the enemy buildings. The SPICE bombs are manufactured by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It is the first defence deal signed by the Narendra Modi government after returning to power in May this year.

(Picture Courtesy: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)

IMA Award Ceremony Spring Term 2019: Lt Gen SK Jha Bestows Recognition & Awards on Outstanding GCs

The Award Ceremony of Passing Out Course of 144 Regular, 127 TGC (Incl 27 UES course) was held at the Khetrapal Auditorium, IMA on June 4, 2019. 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. IMA BALL NIGHT – SPRING TERM 2019: PRECURSOR TO JUNE 8 PASSING OUT PARADE HELD AT INDIAN MILITARY ACADEMY: ANUSHKA CHAUHAN ADJUDGED MISS IMA, GC ARMANJIT SINGH DECLARED MR IMA.

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.

Most Motivated Gentleman Cadet:

Certificate of Excellence Awarded to GCs.JPG
GC Rudra Pratap Choudhary ( (Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

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 havebeen instituted at IMA, which mark the highest standards achieved at the Individual and Company levels. INDIAN MILITARY ACADEMY’S GENTLEMAN CADET AMUL RAWAL DIES AFTER FALLING INTO GORGE DURING NIGHT NAVIGATION EXERCISE.

Dograi Company comes first in weapon training:

Dograi Company - Trophy given to Company Standing First in Weapon Training.JPG
Dograi Company comes first in weapon training (Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)

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

MEDALS & TROPHIES FOR INDL EXCELLENCE

 

S/ No Award/ Medal/ Trophy Awarded For Awarded To
Medals
1. PARACHUTE Regt Medal GC adjudged best in Endurance and Physical Toughness of the POC SUO Manoj Dagar
2. 9 GR Medal GC standing first in Mil Studies of the POC GC Sahildeep Singh Bhinder
3. SIKH Regt Silver Medal GC adjudged best Sportsman of the POC BCA Hariom Singh Kuntal
4. DOGRA Regt & SCOUT Wing  Medal GC adjudged best in Obst Competition of the POC GC Kishan Gariaya
5. MARATHA LI  Medal GC adjudged best in PT of the POC CSM Mohd Sohail Islam
6. RAJPUT Regt Silver Medal GC adjudged best in Academics of the POC BCA Nikhil Sharma
7. SIKH LI Silver Medal (General Bhagat Memorial Medal) GC adjudged best in Turnout and Drill of the POC BUO Ali Ahmed Choudhury
8. Corps of SIGNALS Medal GC standing first in Science and Warfare of the POC BCA Nikhil Sharma
9. RAJ RIF Medal GC adjudged best in Tactical Ability of the POC SUO Kaushlesh Kumar Sinha
10. Brigade of the GUARDS Medal GC adjudged best in Service Subjects of the POC CQMS Vaibhav
11. JAT Regt Silver Medal GC adjudged best in OQ of the POC AUO Rudra Pratap Choudhury
12. ASC Medal GC adjudged Best Golfer of the POC SGT Varun Singh
13. 5 GR(FF) Medal GC adjudged best Shot  in LMG of the POC GC Purvesh Shekhar Khamankar
14. 8 GR Medal

“Sam Manekshaw Medal”

 GC adjudged best in WT of the POC BUO Pawan Kumar
  Trophies
15. Grenadiers Trophy GC adjudged best Shot in INSAS Rif of the POC GC Bishow Thapa
16. Motivation Trophy GC adjudged Most Motivated  GC of the POC AUO Rudra Pratap Choudhury
17. Col HH Raja Sir Harindar Singh Brar, Bans Bahadur, KCSI, Raja of Faridkot Trophy GC Adjudged  Best in INSAS LMG GC Karan Singh Bisht
18. Maj Shaitan Singh,  PVC(Posthumous) Trophy presented by 30thReg Course GC Adjudged  Best in WT CQMS Sanjeev Kumar
19. Deccan Horse Trophy GC Adjudged  Best Rider of POC JUO Surinder Singh

 
20. 8th Course Re-Union Trophy GC Adjudged  Best in IT GC Saurabh Singh

 

BOOK PRIZES FOR INDL EXCELLENCE

S/ No Award/ Medal/ Trophy Awarded For Awarded To
1. M & D Club GC of POC (Both Reg and TGC) adjudged best in M&D Club Activity. GC Priya Ranjan
2. Journalism Club GC of POC (Both Reg and TGC ) adjudged best in Journalism Club Activity. BUO Vinay Kumar
3. Academics GC of POC (Both Reg and TGC) standing second in Academics. SUO Kaushlesh Kumar Sinha

 

 

 

 

 

AWARD OF COURSE COMPLETION & DIPLOMA CERTIFICATE TO ELIGIBLE FGCs OF POC

 

S/ No Country No of Eligible FGCs for Diploma GC Earmarked to Receive
Course Completion Certificate  
1. Afghanistan 45 GC Abdul Wahab Azimi
2. Bhutan 15 GC Dorji Khandu
3. Fiji 1 GC Penioni Gadai Niudamu
4. Lesotho 1 JUO Thabang Joseph Lehoelea
5. Maldives 1 JUO Ali Shujau
6. Mauritius 2 JUO Lala Ramesh
7. Papua New Guinea 2 GC Dickson Hiwi
8. Tajikistan 9 GC Madaliev Bahodur
9. Tonga 1 GC Viliami Fonohema
Total 77

 

ROLLING TROPHIES & PLAQUES TO COYs/ BNs

 

S/ No Award/Medal/

Trophy

Awarded For Awarded To Coy / Bn
Trophies
1. Sir Alwyn Ezra Trophy Coy Standing First in Weapon Trg Dograi
2. The Nawab of JoraTrophy Coy Standing Second in Weapon Trg Chushul
3. Inter Coy Physical Trg Cup Coy Standing Overall First in Physical Trg Keren
4. 3rd GORKHA Regt Trophy Coy Standing Overall second in Physical Trg Meiktila
5. Burma Army Trophy Coy Standing Overall First in Sports Basantar
6. Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh Trophy Coy Standing Overall Second in Sports Sangro
7. Admiral Sushil Kumar, AVSM, NM, ADC, Chief of Naval Staff Trophy Coy Standing Overall First in Professional Competition Dograi
8. Central Indian Horse Trophy Coy Standing First in Eqtn Competition Cassino
9. PBG Trophy Coy Standing Second in Eqtn Competition Zojila
10. Governor of Uttarakhand Trophy Coy Standing Overall First in Academics Basantar
11. ADG AE Trophy Coy Standing Overall Second in Academics Chushul
12. DG Sigs Silver Trophy Bn Standing Overall First in Inter Bn IT Competition Bhagat Bn
13. Interior Economy Trophy Coy Standing Overall First in Interior Economy Competition Cassino
14. Army Cdr ARTRAC Banner Coy Standing Overall Second in Inter Coy Championship Basantar
15. KUMAON Trophy Coy Standing Overall First in Inter Coy Championship Keren
16. Comdt’s Banner

 

 Bn standing overall first in Inter Bn Championship Bhagat Bn
Plaques
17. Plaques to be presented by Trg team wef AT 17 as per their SN 3165/TT/ ATG No dt 16 Nov 2017. Coy Standing First in

Ex Silver chain

 Zojila
18. Coy Standing Second in

Ex Silver Chain

 Chushul
19. Coy Standing First in

Ex Golden Ring

 Sinhgarh
20. Coy Standing Second in

Ex Golden Ring

 Cassino

 

 

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.

Vice Chancellor Uttrakhand Technical University Dr. Narendra S Chaudhary was also present to Award Diploma in Military Strategy & Defence management to Gentlemen Cadets of Friendly Foreign Country.

Admiral Karambir Singh Takes Charge As 24th Naval Chief; Indian Navy Gives Emotional Farewell to Admiral Sunil Lanba, Watch Video

Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC assumed charge as the 24th Chief of the Naval Staff on Friday. Admiral Lanba passed on the baton to Admiral Singh at a ceremony in the South Block in New Delhi. Admiral Singh after assuming charges said, “It will be my endeavour to continue with their efforts and provide the nation with a Navy that is strong, credible and ready to meet security challenges in the maritime domain.”

The Naval Chief’s mother, Rajinder Kaur was also present during the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat in a nice gesture stood outside the office of the outgoing naval chief Admiral Lanba. He walked upto the lift to see off Admiral Lanba. INS VIKRANT, FIRST INDIGENOUS-BUILT AIRCRAFT CARRIER TO BE DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY IN 2021: ADMIRAL SUNIL LANBA.

The 23rd Naval Chief was give an emotional farewell. As part of the Pulling Out ceremony of Admiral Lanba, All d Rear/Vice Admirals pulled the outgoing chief out on a  vehicle out of south block in an emotional ceremony. Naval personnel also hailed Admiral Lanba by shouting slogan “Adm Sunil Lanba ki Jai” Pulling Out Ceremony of Admiral Sunil Lanba:

Journey of 24th Naval Chief, Admiral Karambir Singh:

Admiral Singh is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1980, he earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1981 and has flown extensively on the Chetak (Alouette) and Kamov helicopters. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai and has served as Directing Staff in both these institutions. INS KOLKATA AND INS SHAKTI CONDUCT GROUP SAIL WITH NAVAL SHIPS OF US, JAPAN & PHILIPPINES IN SOUTH CHINA SEA.

In Andmiral Singh’s career spanning over 39 years, he has commanded Indian Coast Guard Ship Chandbibi, Missile Corvette INS Vijaydurg, as well as two Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Rana and INS Delhi. Admiral Singh has also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. Ashore, he has served at Naval Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff, and as Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai. VICE ADMIRAL KARAMBIR SINGH APPOINTED AS NEXT INDIAN NAVY CHIEF; ADMIRAL SUNIL LANBA RETIRES ON MAY 31.

He has also served as member of the Aircrew Instrument Rating and Categorisation Board (AIRCATS). On promotion to flag rank, the Admiral was appointed as the Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command. His other important flag appointments include Chief of Staff of the Tri-Services Unified Command at Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area (FOMAG).

Admiral Singh Taking Charge from Admiral Lanba:

In the rank of Vice Admiral, he has been Director General Project Seabird, in-charge of infrastructure development of the Navy’s expansive and modern base at Karwar. At the Integrated Headquarters Ministry of Defence (Navy), the Admiral has been the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and, subsequently, the Vice Chief of Naval Staff. He was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam, prior taking over helm as the Chief of the Naval Staff on 31 May 19.

All-Woman IAF Crew Flies Military Chopper Mi-17 V5 For First Time

For the first time, an all-woman crew of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday flew a medium-lift helicopter Mi-17 V5. The chopper took off from a forward air base in South Western Air Command. Flight Lieutenant Parul Bhardwaj was the helicopter’s captain, Flying Officer Aman Nidhi was the co-pilot and Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal was flight engineer. LADY OFFICERS IN INDIAN ARMY TO GET PERMANENT COMMISSION.

Flight Lieutenant Parul hails from Punjab’s Mukerian,while Flying Officer Aman belongs to Ranchi, and Flt Lt Hina hails from Chandigarh. Flying Officer Aman is also the first woman Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot from Jharkhand. Flt Lt Hina is the first woman flight engineer of the IAF. LT SANGEETA MALL, WIDOW OF GORKHA RIFLES JAWAN JOINS INDIAN ARMY.

IAF’s Tweet:

 

They flew a Mi-17 V5 helicopter for a Battle Inoculation Training mission. All the crew members had undergone their basic flying training at the Helicopter Training School at Air Force Station, Hakimpet. The pilots also underwent advanced training at Air Force Station Yelahanka. The helicopter was certified as airworthy by unit engineering officer Squadron Leader Richa Adhikari. CHANGING ROLE OF WOMEN OFFICERS IN INDIAN DEFENCE FORCES.

The Mi-17 V-5 is a Russian helicopter which is considered to be an advanced version of Mi-8/17 family of helicopters. It is deployed in troops and arms transport. It is produced by Kazan Helicopters, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. The Mi-17V-5 has a maximum speed of 250km/h, and a standard range of 580km, which can be extended to 1,065km when fitted with two auxiliary fuel tanks.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/@IAF_MCC)

IMA Ball Night – Spring Term 2019: Precursor to June 8 Passing Out Parade Held at Indian Military Academy: Anushka Chauhan Adjudged Miss IMA, GC Armanjit Singh Declared Mr IMA

The ‘IMA Ball’  for the Spring Term – 2019 was held at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) at Dehradun on May 25. 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 Anushka Chauhan was adjudged as Miss IMA and Gentleman Cadet (GC)  Armanjit Singh Dhaliwal was declared as Mr IMA. The proud winners won exquisite gift hampers. Indian Military Academy POP 2018: 347 GCs Commissioned Into The Indian Army.

Winners with Commandant
IMA Commandant with the winners of the IMA Ball (Picture Courtesy: IMA)

Apart from the winners, Akshita Thapa was declared as the first runner up in the Miss IMA contest, while Simaran Kukreja was adjudged the second runner-up. Similarly, GC Sherzad Sarbazwas declared as the first runner up in the Mr IMA contest, while GC  Sameer Bhudhwar was adjudged the second runner-up. Countdown Begins: Sound and Light Show at IMA on the Eve of Passing Out Parade; 383 Cadets to get Commissioned Into The Indian Army.

Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, with First Lady on Dancing Floor (1)
Commandant IMA, Lt Gen SK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM (Picture Courtesy: IMA)

The IMA Ball is a precursor to the final event – The Passing Out Parade of the IMA, which is on June 8, 2019. 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 were radiant in evening military attire and the ladies were at their dazzling best during the gala event. Indian Military Academy Autumn Term 2018: 810 GCs Participate In Cross-Country Event.

The glittering and most awaited social event – the ‘IMA Ball’, is held at the end of each term to mark the culmination of a 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 Passing Out Course. The occasion was characterised by the display of a high sense of chivalry, courtesy, etiquette and gentlemanly conduct of the passing out course. These qualities which are imbibed and nurtured in the IMA, remain as an important part of their lives as officers on commissioning.

(Picture Courtesy: IMA)

 

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Posted at Suratgarh Airbase in Rajasthan: Reports

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday resumed his assigned duties at Suratgarh Air Force Station in Rajasthan, reported The Times of India. However, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has not confirmed his posting to Suratgarh base saying that it is a confidential information. Meanwhile, the force has only confirmed that the IAF officer is posted in Rajasthan.

Local sources told TOI that Wg Cdr Varthaman resumed duties in Suratgarh. However, it is not clear whether the IAF officer will resume to flying after the February 27 incident. In the last week of March, Wg Cdr Varthaman joined his squadron in Srinagar. The IAF transferred the officer out of the Srinagar airbase amid concerns over his security in Kashmir valley. Pakistan’s F-16 Which Violated Indian Air Space Shot Down by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman with Mig-21 Bison; IAF Presents Cover of AMRAAM Missile As Evidence.

Earlier this month, a video of the IAF officer’s interaction with his colleagues went viral on social media. In the video, Wg Cdr Varthaman was looking fit and was seen clicking pictures with his air force colleagues and army personnel. The IAF pilot also joined men in shouting ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’. During his interaction, Wg Cdr Varthaman thanked the countrymen for their wishes. He said, “These photographs are not for you but for your families. I have not been able to meet them. I have recovered because of their prayers and the prayers of many.”

Wg Cdr Varthaman was part of a team comprising of six Mi-21 Bison pilots who took off from Srinagar, along with Su-30 MKIs, Mig-29s and Mirage-2000s from other air force stations in response to Pakistan’s airspace violation on February 27. The PAF fighters dropped bombs at army formation camps in West of Rajouri in Sunderbani of Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, the dogfight lasted for about 15 minutes, during which the IAF pilot managed to “lock on” to PAF’s F-16 and then fired R-73 missile. Pakistan Air Force Pilot Shahzaz Ud Din Whose F-16 Was Shot Down by Wg Cd Abhinandan Varthaman Mistaken to be Indian; Lynched by PoK Locals?

During the aerial combat, Wg Cdr Varthaman let loose the Vympel R-73 air-to-air missile at the Pakistan fighter jet, F-16, before he himself was hit. After ejecting from his MIg-21 Bison, his parachute drifted in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) where he was taken into custody by the Pakistani Army. ‘R-73 Selected’, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s Last Radio Message Before Ejecting Out of Mig-21 Bison.

The IAF officer was released almost after 60 hours by Pakistan on March 1. After his return from Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border, Wg Cdr Varthaman underwent a series of medical tests at Army’s Research and Referral (R&R) hospital in Delhi. He was also recommended by the IAF for the Vir Chakra, the third highest wartime gallantry award after the Paramvir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra.