Excelsior Correspondent
DEHRADUN, Dec 15: The officers of the 50th Regular and 34th Technical Course passed-out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun in December 1972, were gathered at the IMA after 50 years, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their pass-out at a reunion held on December 14-15 here.
The Golden Jubilee celebration event was attended by 133 veterans of Dec 1972 vintage, majority accompanied by their families. Five veterans came from countries like England, USA, Canada and Australia to be with their companions of their training days.
The reunion commenced with the solemn wreath laying ceremony wherein all the veterans of the course paid homage at the IMA War Memorial in memory of their martyr course-mates. The course infact, commemorates their nostalgic career in Army from training days at IMA, participation in operations, social get together and a tribute of remembrance to their martyr course-mates by releasing a Golden Jubilee Coffee Table Book, titled ‘Baptized into Battle’.
50 samplings were also planted at the Academy to enhance its green cover during the event. A life size bronze statue of Field Martial KM Cariappa was presented to IMA by the Golden Veterans to express gratitude to their `alma mater’.
The 50th Course had a strength of 330 cadets whereas, 74 were from the 34th course. Out of these 404 , a total of 94 officers have left for heavenly abode during service and after their retirement. Maj Ranjit Muthanna of this Batch made supreme sacrifice in the finest traditions of Indian Army while serving in Sri Lanka.
From this batch, 10 Cadets reached to the level of Lt General, 13 as Maj General and 46 Brigadiers. The most decorated officers of this Batch include- Lt Gen Nand Kishore (1/3 GR), Regular Course and Brig Shruti Kant (AEF), 34th Technical Course.
Officers of this Batch have secured many honours and awards which include, one Vir Chakra, five Sena Medals (Gty), 3 PVSM, 24 AVSM, one YSM, 29 VSM and 50 Commendation Cards. Six officers commanded Senior Commands. They include, Lt Gen S K Singh, Lt Gen Nand Kishore, Lt Gen Ramesh Halgale, Lt Gen BV Nair, Lt Gen S S Sengupta and Lt Gen KJS Oberoi. Five of them were deputed to Diplomatic assignment, one in Public Relations and five as Battalion Commanders at their `Alma Mater’.
The Golden Jubilee Reunion of courses is a tradition of Indian Military Academy, held with pride to commemorate the event. The occasion gives an opportunity to veterans to relive their memories in the true spirit of soldierly bonhomie. The Indian Military Academy, takes great pride in achievements of its alumni and ensures strong bonding with the veterans.
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