1967 batch ex-Army officers relive old days at IMA

Jotirmay Thapliyal

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 15

Over 200 ex-Army officers along with their spouses gathered at the Indian Military Academy to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their passing out as officers from the Academy on December 16, 1967. 

The occasion was all the more special as the passing out course that included 40th regular and 24th technical entry course was one of the illustrious batches awarded for gallantry. Capt Devender Singh Ahlawat was awarded Maha Vir Chakra, posthumously. Members of the batch were awarded two Veer Chakras, two Shaurya Chakras and six Sena Medals. 

The course further has the distinction of fielding nine Lt Gen rank Officers, of which one was the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, one Vice Chief of Army Staff, three Army Commanders, one Deputy Chief of Army Staff and three Director Generals of their departments. 

One of the batch members, Gen KS Rao, was the first Indian to circumnavigate in his yatch around the globe. Major Kiran Inder Kumar, a mountaineer, lost his life in an attempt to conquer Mount Everest. Col Pavan Nair has had the distinction of constructing the first Indian Base “The Dakshin Gangotri” in the Antartica and Col SD Umalkar captained the Services Cricket Team in Ranji Trophy matches.

There was an air of great cheer and optimism at the gathering. Several formal and informal events were organised to celebrate the historic occasion. The functions commenced with the course mates and the ladies paying homage to the 42 departed comrades and to other bravehearts at the IMA memorial. 

Welcoming the course, IMA Commandant Lt Gen SK Jha spoke about the present day- to-day activities at the Indian Military Academy. He said it was an honour for Indian Military Academy to host such an event. Briefing the course on its post-commissioning activities and achievements, Col Atul Mehra gave a presentation with an interlude of interesting slides from the training period at Indian Military Academy. 

Former Army Commander Gen KS Jamwal, who was also the winner of the Sword of Honour and also gold medal awardee offered a vote of thanks to the staff of Indian Military Academy and all the participants.