Parrikar for increasing cadet strength at RIMC

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, November 30

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today stressed the need for increasing the strength of cadets at the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC).

Parrikar, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said the RIMC should be developed as a model school to attract more aspirants. He was addressing cadets at the 178th graduation ceremony held on the RIMC campus here.

Parrikar said financial constraints would not become a barrier to improving infrastructure in the RIMC, Military and Sainik schools all over the country.

He said cadets enrolled in Sainik and Military Schools across the country should be given a chance to get themselves acquainted with the routine of the cadets studying in the RIMC.

He referred to the RIMC as a perfect model for all Military and Sainik Schools in the country for maintaining highest possible standards of education. Parrikar advised cadets not become complacent after this achievement, rather continue to strive for excellence in life.

He gave a vivid and nostalgic account of his own days at the IIT, Mumbai. He urged cadets to never give up their aim until they achieve it.

Parrikar gave away trophies and medals to outstanding cadets. The Sword of Honour award, which was presented by the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal NC Suri (retd), and GOC UB Area Trophy for the Best in Leadership was bagged by Cadet Captain Sachin Kumar.

The Wavell sword was won by Section Commander, Cadet Paras Singh, while the trophy instituted by Lt Gen SS Dhillon for being adjudged the Best in Attitude was awarded to Section Commander Rohan Basnett.

The Col DH Parab Trophy is awarded to a cadet who is adjudged the Most Helpful Boy was bagged by Cadet Prasanjeet Mehta, while the trophy for Best in Informatics was awarded to Cadet Chetan Kumar.

Earlier, the Defence Minister and the Chief of the Integrated Staff, Air Marshal PP Reddy, laid a wreath at the war memorial at the RIMC.

MP Tarun Vijay, GOC Sub Area Maj Gen S Sabharwal, Col Aruna Mamgain (retd), Wg Cdr Deepak Ahluwalia, among others, were present.

...says no plans of retiring for now

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday rejected reports about him retiring sooner than later, saying he has no plans of retirement at present.

A day after the media reports were in circulation that he was planning to take retirement from politics, Parrikar said he did not say anything like that. “I didn’t say anything. The reporter who reported this was not there, so it’s his wishful thinking,” Parrikar told ANI.

“My correct statement is at the age of 60, normally people think of retirement and perhaps I would have also. But I had to take bigger responsibilities at the Centre and I assure you that I will come back only after finishing the task I am given,” he added.

According to reports, Parrikar on Sunday had hinted at retiring from politics, while also admitting to a crisis of credible leadership in a small statelike Goa. — ANI