Father in 7 Jat, granddad in 9 Jat, Haryana cadet wins Sword of Honour
Commissioned into the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, Anni belongs to a family with a proud military tradition. His father, Devendra Nehra, served in the 7 Jat Regiment, retiring as Havildar, and his grandfather was part of the 9 Jat Regiment, making him the third generation in his family to wear the uniform.
"This award is not just mine, it belongs to my family, my instructors, and the values passed down through generations," said Anni, his eyes gleaming with pride as he received the honour at the iconic Chetwode Drill Square.
He was also awarded the silver medal for officer cadet standing second in the order of merit.
His mother, Suman Devi, said the moment was a proud milestone for the family. "He grew up watching both his father and grandfather serve in the Army, which inspired him to follow in their footsteps," she said.
An alumnus of Rashtriya Military School in Belgaum, Karnataka, Anni said, "The training at IMA is intense and transformative.
It doesn't just make you physically fit, it builds the mental resilience every officer must have."
His younger brother, currently a cadet at NDA, is set to join the IMA in the upcoming session, continuing the family's service to the nation.
A total of 451 officer cadets, including 32 from friendly foreign countries, participated in the passing out parade. Sri Lankan Army Commander Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, who is also an alumnus of the institute, reviewed the parade.
Dehradun: Twenty-one-year-old Anni Nehra from Rewari, Haryana, was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour which is presented to the best all-round cadet, during the spring term passing out parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun on Saturday.
Commissioned into the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, Anni belongs to a family with a proud military tradition. His father, Devendra Nehra, served in the 7 Jat Regiment, retiring as Havildar, and his grandfather was part of the 9 Jat Regiment, making him the third generation in his family to wear the uniform.
"This award is not just mine, it belongs to my family, my instructors, and the values passed down through generations," said Anni, his eyes gleaming with pride as he received the honour at the iconic Chetwode Drill Square. He was also awarded the silver medal for officer cadet standing second in the order of merit.
His mother, Suman Devi, said the moment was a proud milestone for the family. "He grew up watching both his father and grandfather serve in the Army, which inspired him to follow in their footsteps," she said.
An alumnus of Rashtriya Military School in Belgaum, Karnataka, Anni said, "The training at IMA is intense and transformative. It doesn't just make you physically fit, it builds the mental resilience every officer must have."
His younger brother, currently a cadet at NDA, is set to join the IMA in the upcoming session, continuing the family's service to the nation.
A total of 451 officer cadets, including 32 from friendly foreign countries, participated in the passing out parade. Sri Lankan Army Commander Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, who is also an alumnus of the institute, reviewed the parade.
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