169 new Army officers including 24 women commissioned at OTA Chennai

Chennai: The Officers Training Academy (OTA) in St Thomas Mount, Chennai, hosted a grand passing-out parade on Saturday, marking the commissioning of 169 new military officers, including 24 women. This ceremony celebrated the completion of their rigorous training, preparing them to serve the nation with dedication. Lieutenant General Johnson P Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence.

Chennai: The Officers Training Academy (OTA) in St Thomas Mount, Chennai, hosted a grand passing-out parade on Saturday, marking the commissioning of 169 new military officers, including 24 women. This ceremony celebrated the completion of their rigorous training, preparing them to serve the nation with dedication.

Lieutenant General Johnson P Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), served as the reviewing officer for the event. The parade saw 169 officer cadets, including 133 men and 24 women, commissioned into various Arms and Services of the Indian Army. The event also included the commissioning of 12 foreign officer cadets from five countries, strengthening international bonds and cooperation.

The march of the officer cadets to martial tunes captivated the audience. Lieutenant Karan Trivedi, who was commissioned into the Parachute Regiment, expressed gratitude toward the academy’s instructors for their guidance and his parents for their support. He shared his journey from a village with no knowledge of the armed forces to becoming an officer, thanks to the guidance of mentors and his family.

The parade was reviewed by Lieutenant General Mathew, who praised the officer cadets and the OTA staff for their remarkable achievements. In his address, he urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold the military values of ‘Selfless Service to the Nation’ and to continually strive for excellence.

The event concluded with the Pipping Ceremony, during which the officers received their insignia, symbolizing their commitment to the Constitution of India and their oath to protect the nation.

Lieutenant Soni Bisht, a Veer Nari, shared her inspiring journey. After losing her husband in a tragic road accident, she focused on her SSB preparation, supported by mentors and family. She described the challenges she faced both physically and mentally at the academy but credited the guidance of her platoon commander and other officers for her success. She emphasized that perseverance, focus, and determination help overcome life’s toughest challenges.

The newly commissioned officers, adorned with their ranks, vowed to serve the country with honor and dedication as they stepped out of the academy to protect the nation’s dignity.