As we transit from the industrial age to an information age, a sixth dimension, cyberspace has been added to the five known dimensions of war-land, air, sea, under-water and space. Action in cyberspace will be based on knowledge, speed and power and you have a responsibility of remaining abreast of the latest in this field, " said Lt Gen Samsher Singh Mehta, GOC-in-C Western Command to the Gentleman Cadets (GCs) at the passing-out parade at Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun.

The General officer took the salute and reviewed the parade. "Your single most important duty towards your countrymen is victory in all your endeavours. It is for this that you are honoured. Remember, this honour is to be earned. I have no doubt that the Academy which is a symbol of national integrity and selfless service, has prepared you to earn it. But be under no illusion-you have to earn it," reminded Lt Gen Mehta.

In a changing security scenario IMA too has been in tune with the changing times. The course content emphasises on couter-insurgency, mountain and nuclear warfare. The cadets had hand-son training with 5.56mm INSAS rifle, took lessons at the battle school in Jammu and Kashmir and had practical lessons on counter-insurgency in the north-eastern states. "The training pattern has been designed keeping in view of the current requirements. The basics of NBC warfare are also taught to the would-be commissioned officers," said Lt Gen GS Negi, Commandant, IMA.

Altogether, 433 Gentleman Cadets including 13 foreign GCs (11 from Bhutan and 2 from Maldives) passed out on this occasion. The reviewing officer of the parade Lt Gen Samsher Singh Mehta arrived in the famous four horses drawn Patial Baggi for the general salute. Despite the inclement weather the spectacular march past, was led by ACW Sumit Legwal.

The prestigious Sword of Honour for the 113th Regular Course was awarded to the Battalion Cadet Adjutant, Rohit Sambyal who also bagged gold medal for being first in order of merit. "Since my childhood I wanted to don Army uniform and be a leader"-said Rohit. The silver and bronze medal was bagged by BUO Anupam Singh and AUO Bhaskar Shukal respectively. The silver medal from Technical Graduates' Course was bagged by JUO Anurag Sharma while the silver medal of Technical Entry Scheme-2 course was awarded to WCC Amit Kumar Singh. Adding colour to the parade was the appearance of Tequila, the white horse of IMA. The reviewing officer presented the COAS Banner to the Alamien Company on this occasion.

The GCs marched in to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. Three helicopters of Army Aviation Corps flew over the parade and showered flower petals on the GCs, signifying their joining the officer's cadre in the Indian Army. Later, three helicopters passed over the Drill Square carrying the National, Army and IMA flags.

To witness this joyous and gratifying occasion, a large number of parents, relatives of inducted officers and other serving officers were present. The pipping ceremony was held on the lawns of Khetrapal Auditorium where the Indian GCs were pipped by their parents relatives and family members and the foreign GCs were pipped by Lt Gen Mehta and Lt Gen Negi. The foreign cadets were equally jubiliant at the pipping. "In the absence of any officers training academy in our country we come to India, Bangladesh, US and UK for this purpose. Here, at IMA, the training pattern has been excellent and we had equal opportunities along with Indian cadets," said Mohamad Firdous, a cadet from Maldives.

Lt Col Ritu Raj Raina, Adjutant of IMA, administered the oath to the newly commissioned officers at Khetrapal Auditorium. Later, the cadets tossed their caps in the air. The murky sky was strewn with coloured balloons and crackers burst as harbinger to a newer dawn.