Latest news with #IndianMilitaryAcademy


Hans India
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Sidharth Malhotra remembers Captain Vikram Batra on his martyrdom
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra is remembering the Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra on the day he attained martyrdom. On Monday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a picture of Captain Vikram Batra in which he can be seen standing against the backdrop of the Himalayas. He wrote in the caption, 'To Captain Vikram Batra, your story continues to move and inspire us. Thank you for showing us the meaning of true strength. Remembering you today, on the day you gave everything for the nation'. Sid essayed the role of Vikram Batra in the 2021 film 'Shershaah'. The biographical war film was based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra. The film was directed by Vishnuvardhan in his Hindi film debut and written by Sandeep Shrivastava, and also starred Sid's wife Kiara Advani. Captain Vikram Batra joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) at Dehradun, in June 1996 in the Manekshaw Battalion, named after India's war hero Sam Manekshaw. He completed his 19-month training course, and later graduated from the IMA on December 6, 1997. He was commissioned as a lieutenant into the Indian Army He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest Indian military decoration, for his actions during the Kargil War, on 7 July 1999. He fought valiantly during the Kargil War, and was martyred while fighting Pakistani troops around Area Ledge, Point 4875, in the Kargil district of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, Sid was last seen in the film 'Yodha'. The film is inspired by the various aircraft hijackings in Indian history, particularly Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999. He also has 'Param Sundari' in the pipeline. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the film is set to release on July 25, 2025.


Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Gentleman cadet 14, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
It was a decade ago and more that we were invited to a passing out parade at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. But I recall it as if it were yesterday. From the moment we arrived, everything was precision and structure. A very very proper but suitably handsome young liaison officer attached himself firmly to our little party of four and shepherded us politely but unswervingly through a welcome cup of tea; quick bathe and change, and down to drinks. Well in time for the grand entrance of the chief guest. Dinner in the darkly handsome wood panelled hall had us all behind nameplates in correct pecking order with the high table at right angles to our own three benches. Liveried bearers entered, served, and cleared in unison. Dinner ended with toasts to the President, the Academy and the chief guest. Brandy and cigars done we retired early in readiness for the big day when the new batch of 600 gentlemen cadets would be passing out. Next morning, true to some invisible master clock, our military companion took us in hand, cast a gimlet eye over our attire, checked we were warmly clad, and settled us into carefully marked out seats. Before us the parade unfolded. PREMIUM Life had truly come full circle. It was, he said, kismet. (Getty Images) The first dignitary drove himself up in a single horse buggy; the next arrived in a carriage and pair; and finally, the chief guest stepped out of a four horse carriage to take his place under the canopy to review the parade. Fanfare, trumpets, the clip-clop of horse hoofs, the long calls of troupe leaders bringing men to order, the sharp tap of boots and gun butts crashing down together, the buglers at attention on the tower bloc behind, the Present Arms for the colour, the swords flashing in the sun, the dark green lines of cadets, the short inspirational speech and the march past all spoke of long honoured traditions and carefully preserved standards that the hurdy-gurdy of the outside world has been unable to sully. For the new gentlemen cadets, life was just beginning. For the parents, who had watched the parade with awe, the best was yet to come. The pipping ceremony is a pleasure reserved specially for parents and guardians. They get to uncover their newly commissioned officer sons' shoulder pips that show their rank as shiny new second lieutenants. Smiles and tears, back slaps and feet touching pointed to the many years of effort that parents of often very modest means had made to bring their boys to this grand place. Each little family, siblings, aunts and uncles, cameras at the ready, took turns to pose beside their pride and joy. In this small moment of fulfilment, everything good and pure had come together in an uncomplicated way, unsmeared by all the compromise that life can force. At tea, as the chief guest moved through the excited throng, a palpable sense of veneration preceded him. The young cadets, hesitant and shy, drew back along his pathway. At the old soldier's elbow, the commandant was protective, but knowing him, was careful not to be too forbidding. Salutes and respectful namastes punctuated their progress. It wasn't long before a courageous few hesitantly broke through the formality. One stepped forward, seeking nothing more than a blessing for her son. Then another. Then another. Embolded, someone pressed a paper napkin into his hand for an autograph, frantically searching the while for a pen. With a quick smile and a lighthearted apology for having only a sword on hand rather than a pen, the old gent melted the reverence that had kept the crowd at bay. A different energy began to stir, transforming the mood into one of warmth and easy connection. The crowd now drew closer, a thousand questions, comments, and handshakes competed for attention. He drew a shaky breath, looked around and sought a moment's liberty to reminisce. So much had happened, he said, in the decades since he himself had received his pips on this very ground. Wars had been fought, countries divided, new nations born. He'd been lucky to be a small part of it, he said. Seventy years ago, it had been Field Marshal Chetwode who'd opened the Academy and taken the first salute. Now, seven decades later, another Field Marshal, taking that same salute, had once been gentleman cadet number 14. For him, life had truly come full circle. It was, he said, kismet. Maja Daruwala is chief editor, India Justice Report. The views expressed are personal. Sam Manekshaw, former Chief of Army Staff, passed away on June 27, 2008.


Time of India
25-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
UPSC CDS II timetable released at upsc.gov.in: Check important dates and complete schedule here
UPSC CDS exam 2025 : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the timetable for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025. Aspirants who have registered for the examination can now access the detailed schedule on the commission's website — The CDS II 2025 exam will be conducted on Sunday, September 14, 2025, and will be held in three separate shifts, each of two hours' duration, covering different subjects. Through CDS II 2025, UPSC aims to fill a total of 453 vacancies across various defence academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The application window for CDS II 2025 closed on June 20, and no further applications will be accepted. UPSC CDS II 2025: Exam schedule Through CDS II 2025, UPSC aims to fill a total of 453 vacancies across various defence academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Subjects Timings English 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM General Knowledge 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM Elementary Mathematics 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM UPSC CDS II 2025 timetable : Steps to check Candidates can follow the steps mentioned here to download the UPSC CDS II timetable 2025 from the official website: Visit the official UPSC website: Navigate to the 'What's New' section on the homepage. Click on the link titled: 'Examination Time Table: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025.' The detailed timetable PDF will appear on your screen. Download and print the document for future reference. Aspirants can click on the direct link provided here to download the official UPSC CDS II schedule 2025. Candidates are advised to stay in touch with the official website to get the latest updates on the UPSC CDS exam. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.


GMA Network
16-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Two Pinoy officer cadets finish training at Indian Military Academy
Two Filipino officer cadets have successfully completed their pre-commissioning training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun in the State of Uttarakhand, the defense attaché of the Philippines in India said. According to Defense Attaché Colonel Rolando Gomez, the two officer cadets are the second generation Philippine Army officers trained by the prestigious military academy in India. He said it was in 1974 when the first two officer cadets completed the same training. However, the program did not push through. Gomez said IMA Commandant Lieutenant General Nagendra Singh had conducted the ceremonial donning of rank insignia to 2nd Lieutenants Anthony Ehapon and Len John Kent Valbarez. ''This ceremony symbolizes the advancement and readiness of the two officers to take on a new leadership role in their chosen service,'' Gomez said in a press release. Gomez stressed that the graduation of the two officers was not just a personal achievement but a tangible step towards a more robust, skilled, and internationally connected Philippine Army that is supported by a deepening strategic partnership with India. A Reuters report earlier said India is the world's biggest arms importer as it also steps up domestic production and boosts defense exports to counter China's military strength and influence in its neighborhood after their troops clashed on the Himalayan border in 2020. India is also expected to sell short-range missiles to the Philippines this year in a deal worth more than $200 million, the report said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA Integrated News


New Indian Express
15-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Down memory lane: Lankan Army chief recounts days at alma mater
NEW DELHI: It was an emotional homecoming for Lieutenant (Lt) General (Gen) BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo when he reviewed the passing out parade at the hallowed portals of the Indian Military Academy. Now, the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, he returned as the Reviewing Officer for the passing out parade (PoP), witnessing the commissioning of a new generation of officers, including foreign cadets from Sri Lanka. It was in December 1990 that General Rodrigo was commissioned as part of the 87th IMA Course and rose to command one of the most battle hardened armies in the sub-continent. While addressing the passing out course the Reviewing Officer said, 'I am deeply honoured and moved to the point of tears to stand before you as the first IMA alumnus to return as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and review this parade.' 'Looking at your faces, I see my younger self. This place doesn't just train officers; it forges bonds that last a lifetime. He thanked General Upendra Dwivedi and the Indian Army for the kind invitation. The Indian Army in a statement said that General Rodrigo reflected on how his journey, like that of the officer cadets present, had begun with a simple haircut in the barber chair of the Indian Military Academy. He reminded the officer cadets that today, they were not just wearing a rank but they were embracing a way of life. Quoting the IMA Credo, the General Officer highlighted the three unshakable responsibilities that every officer must uphold. First, to the Nation - second, to their soldiers and third, to the families of our brave hearts, the Army added. The General Officer reminded the officer cadets that they now belong to an unbroken chain of patriots and warriors, urging them to wear the uniform not just with pride, but with purpose. The Chief of Sri Lanka Army said the Academy has not only shaped soldiers but future guardians of the nation. As their real journey begins, he urges them to lead with wisdom, fight for what's right, and carry the hopes of a billion with pride. Gen Rodrigo was on four-day official visit to India, from June 11 to 14, reinforcing the longstanding and robust military ties between the two armies. While for Gen Rodrigo it was the last day of his visit to India, the IMA PoP on Saturday had another symbolic story with two Sri Lankan officer cadets, including RMNL Rathnayake, son of Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake, passing out as commissioned officers.