SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT THE PASSING OUT PARADE OF REGULAR COURSE AND ALLIED COURSES

Indian Military Academy , Dehradun, 11th June 2011

General Vijay Kumar Singh, Chief of Army Staff,

Lieutenant General R.S. Sujlana, Commandant, Indian Military Academy,

Gentleman Cadets,

Parents,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, I am delighted to be here to review the passing out parade of the Indian Military Academy. The parade with its immaculately synchronized drill movements and the reverberation of marching feet, was highly impressive. I compliment Indian Military Academy, an institution of great importance in the country, for this splendid event. The IMA has taught Cadets, military strategies as well as core military values of courage, integrity and selfless service. It has also ingrained in them the spirit of camaraderie and working together as a team, so essential for any operation. The success of the IMA in training officers and imparting to them leadership qualities, is evident in that the nation has a highly professional and motivated Army, for whom the honour of the nation is to be defended at all costs.

I am aware that training at this Academy is strenuous, tough and challenging. The energy and time that Cadets have spent in following the rigours and regimen of continuous training at the Academy, has resulted in officers of a very high calibre. As you step out and finally join the rank and file of the services, you will have the responsibility of leading your units, and what you have imbibed during your training will provide valuable guidance.

Military leadership qualities are very important in the making of an effective soldier and officer. A true leader leads from the front and sets an example for others. This earns the loyalty of those who follow. Always remember, a leader is one who is not only mentally and physically tough, but one who is open to new ideas and can be calm and composed in difficult situations. And most importantly, one who can have the trust of those he leads. I exhort you, to do what it takes to develop this trust and confidence, and instill a deep spirit of unity of purpose in your team. Our Armed Forces have had a number of such officers, who throughout their career showed the way through their sterling leadership.

The nature of warfare on the battlefield is constantly changing, as indeed are the various threats to our national security. The Army today must be fighting fit, and at the same time well acquainted to deal with the challenges of the knowledge era that we are living in. The application of Science and Technology in the field of defence preparedness and warfare, is essential for the effectiveness of the Armed Forces. You as future leaders, must keep yourself abreast of new and emerging technologies, new age weapons and concepts of technology-driven warfare. Never ever let lack of knowledge and preparedness stand in the way of you performing your Dharma, the Dharma of a warrior.

Dear Cadets, as young officers of the time honoured Indian Army, your basic role is that of a warrior and a protector, but you also have to act as a provider - provider of succour, peace and hope to citizens in times of disaster, calamity and distress. Wherever, you are posted and in whatever capacity, always remember that you are an integral pillar of this vast edifice of our nation, and the stronger the pillar, the stronger is the nation.

The Indian Army is a Force well known for its ethos of nationalism and discipline, with the highest regard for democratic and secular credentials of the country. The constant effort to strengthen professionalism has resulted in respect for the Army both at home and abroad. As India gains increasing importance among the comity of nations, the Indian Armed Force under the aegis of the United Nations will be called to maintain peace in different parts of the world. You would thereby represent your country, and work to building peace in the world - both honorable and onerous tasks.

Being officers of the Indian Army requires that your character, discipline and integrity is absolute and unyielding. I urge you to keep your conduct and demeanor high and impeccable, and be an example for others to emulate. As you perform your duties, there may be times when you are faced with doubts, temptations, dilemmas and uncertainties. At such times, fall back upon the strength of the IMA motto - Valour and Wisdom - and the IMA credo which places the safety, honour and welfare of the country first, always and every time. These should inspire you, as it has inspired generations, and will keep inspiring future generations. The country is proud that the Indian Military Academy has moulded you into officers and warriors, who will always keep the flag of the country flying high.

The performance of the Indian Military Academy has been sterling, and I am sure that it would continue to strive to maintain excellence in defence training and management. There should be a constant effort on the part of the Indian Military Academy, to keep its training programme updated and relevant for today's security environment. I am pleased that cadets from the friendly countries of Bhutan, Mongolia, Maldives, Mauritius and Tajikistan are also commissioned today. I wish them well. The training that you have received here, would not only help you in professionally serving your nation, but will also be a reminder of the friendship between India and your countries, and the many friendships you would have developed in the Academy.

In the end, I once again applaud the efforts put in for this spectacular display of coordinated drill and high discipline. My compliments to all parents and relatives present here. Like you, I too, have a sense of pride in the young cadets. I congratulate each one of the young cadets, on the successful completion of training and wish them exciting, challenging and successful careers ahead. I also wish the officers of the Academy, and those connected with it all the best, in the endeavour to scale greater heights of excellence and commitment to our national goals and cherished values.

JAI HIND!