In a proudly and momentous ceremony, the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Spring Term 2025 was held at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. It marked the formal commissioning of 451 Gentleman Cadets (GCs) into the Indian Army and Friendly Foreign Armies. There were 32 Officer Cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries including two from Sri Lanka, symbol of global legacy and strategic partnerships nurtured at the IMA among them.
This Indian Military Academy POP 2025 was graced and reviewed by Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army. Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, himself is an alumnus of IMA returning to his alma mater as the Reviewing Officer.
Message from the Reviewing Officer : A New Chapter Begins
Lieutenant General Rodrigo commended the cadets for their exceptional drill, immaculate turnout and high standards of discipline. In his stirring address, he reminded that the young officers of their threefold duty towards the Nation, their Soldiers and the Families of Bravehearts.
He emphasized that from today and onwards your uniform is not merely a symbol of rank but a commitment to serve the nation with integrity, courage, and selflessness. His heartfelt message to the foreign cadets was equally profound, calling them “Ambassadors of the IMA values that transcend borders.”
Honouring Excellence : Awards and Recognition
This IMA POP 2025 is also a time to recognize the finest performers of the Spring Term. Their achievements reflected hard work, leadership, and academic excellence during their entire training period.
- Sword of Honour : Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra
- Gold Medal (1st in Order of Merit) : Academy Under Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak
- Silver Medal (2nd in Order of Merit) : Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra
- Bronze Medal (3rd in Order of Merit) : Battalion Under Officer Anurag Verma
- Silver Medal (Technical Graduate Course) : Sergeant Akash Bhadouriya
- Silver Medal (TES-45) : Wing Cadet Quarter Master Kapil
- Best Foreign Cadet : Foreign Officer Cadet Nishan Balami from Nepal
The Chief of Army Staff Banner for the Best Performing Company was awarded to Keren Company. Its reflects exceptional performance among the 12 companies of the IMA.
IMA (Indian Military Academy) : A Timeless Institution of Military Excellence
Established on 1st October 1932, the Indian Military Academy has a legacy spanning over nine decades. This institution has trained more than 65,000 cadets including officers from 34 Friendly Foreign Countries. The IMA continues to set high standards in leadership, valour and discipline.
Its commitment to shaping leaders with character has made it one of the finest military academies in the world. The IMA not only grooms cadets for battlefield leadership but also instils in them the values of honour, sacrifice, and patriotism.
A New Generation Takes the Torch Forward
As the Spring Term 2025 culminates, these newly commissioned officers now stand at the threshold of their journey ready to serve, protect and lead. The IMA POP 2025 is not merely a passing out ceremony but it is a celebration of dreams turned into responsibility and youth transformed into warriors.
The Indian Military Academy once again affirms its timeless motto “Veerta aur Vivek” (Valour and Wisdom) echoing through the saluting parade grounds, instilling hope and confidence in the future of India’s defence forces.
