In a first, no parents at IMA passing out parade

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 8

One of the most cherished moments in a military officer’s life is the passing out parade (POP) from their training academy when they take the final step from being cadets to becoming combat leaders.

This summer, however, the POP at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), traditionally a grand and elaborate affair, will be a watered down event due to restrictions imposed due to the pandemic.

For the first time in the academy’s history, parents, siblings and friends of the cadets passing out would not be present. Traditionally, it is the parents, brothers or sisters who “pip” the cadets — which is the pinning of the two stars of a Lieutenant on each shoulder — to formally make them commissioned officers.

“This time, the piping will be done by instructors, officers and their wives,” Lt Col Amit Dagar, IMA’s public relations officer, said.

To compensate, the Army has made elaborate arrangements for a live telecast of the event on some TV channels and also on social media in the same manner as is being done for the Republic Day Parade and the Army Day Parade. Special accounts have been opened on popular social media platforms and these are being widely circulated.

The POP for the spring term is scheduled to be held at Dehradun on June 13 and the Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, is expected to be the reviewing officer.