No society or culture can withstand the rigours of mortality through the centuries unless it imprints in the sands of time, the saga of bravery and sacrifice of its soldiers. As a befitting tribute to the officers who challenged the transience of life to attain immortality in the defence of motherland, the Indian Military Academy built a War Memorial on November 17, 1999. The memorial is in honour of the ‘Unknown Gentlemen Cadets’ who symbolise the spirit of the officer cadre of the Indian Army, which follows the principle of ‘leading from the front’.

The memorial faces the Chetwode Building and replicates the soul of the Academy whilst the Chetwode Building symbolises the heart of the prestigious IMA. The main structure has a 7.5 ft bronze statue of a Gentlemen Cadet who is saluting with a sword. Behind the statue are the semicircular stairs and on the wings of the stairs are engraved the names of the martyrs. The names are in golden letters on black granite reminding one of the heroic deeds of the warriors down the ages. Pillars and arches of monolithic dholpur stone guard the statue with protected reverence. In front of the circular platform, there are fountains which add grace to the structure. Landscaping of the surrounding lush green lawns, sublime flower-beds and a wicket fence further adds dignity to the area. In keeping with magnificence, grandeur and significance of the memorial which has been erected nearly 67 years after the Academy was established, Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw inaugurated the War Memorial.

There are 588 names inscribed on the wings of the memorial. The Gentlemen Cadets on the eve of their passing-out parade gather at the War Memorial to honour the martyrs of the preceding courses. With tears in their eyes, they lay a wreath and pledge to uphold the traditions of Indian Army.