The Indian Military Academy’s (IMA) December 2023 Passing Out Parade was a historic occasion, symbolizing the commissioning of 343 young officers into the Indian Army. This grand ceremony, steeped in tradition and held with great pomp, was graced by the presence of Sri Lanka’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Dr Shavendra Silva, highlighting strong international defence ties. The inclusion of 29 cadets from friendly foreign nations further solidifies India’s role as a prominent military training hub in the region.
Here are the top 10 states that contributed officers to the Indian Army in December 2023:
- Uttar Pradesh: Leading with 68 cadets, Uttar Pradesh continues to be a significant source of military personnel, owing to its rich history and tradition of valour.
- Uttarakhand: With 42 cadets commissioned, Uttarakhand’s unwavering spirit of service places it second on the list despite its smaller demographic.
- Rajasthan: Known for its historical bravery, Rajasthan contributed 34 cadets, reflecting its enduring martial tradition.
- Maharashtra: Providing 28 cadets, Maharashtra’s diverse contribution reflects its progressive ethos and strong sense of duty.
- Bihar: With 27 new officers, Bihar’s representation is commendable, driven by its historical significance and legacy of courage.
- Haryana: Producing 22 cadets, Haryana’s culture of courage and discipline continues to nurture dedicated soldiers.
- Punjab: With 20 cadets joining the ranks, Punjab reinforces its reputation as a state of fearless warriors.
- Himachal Pradesh: The picturesque state contributed 14 officers, reflecting its strong ethos of bravery and sacrifice.
- Karnataka: Providing 11 cadets, Karnataka’s blend of modernity and tradition contributes to the armed forces.
- Jammu and Kashmir: With 10 officers, this strategically important region plays a vital role in the defence sector, shaped by its challenging terrain and complex dynamics.
The Passing Out Parade of December 2023 at the IMA wasn’t merely a display of military grandeur; it was a testament to India’s unity in diversity. The diverse representation from 27 states underscores the pan-Indian character of the IMA and the collective determination of the nation’s youth to safeguard India’s sovereignty and integrity.
This event proudly reflects India’s robust military ethos and the dedication of its young generation to national defence. The number of cadets from various states showcases the pan-Indian character of the IMA:
- Uttar Pradesh: 68
- Uttarakhand: 42
- Rajasthan: 34
- Maharashtra: 28
- Bihar: 27
- Haryana: 22
- Punjab: 20
- Himachal Pradesh: 14
- Karnataka: 11
- Jammu and Kashmir: 10
- Kerala: 09
- West Bengal: 09
- Delhi: 08
- Tamil Nadu: 08
- Madhya Pradesh: 07
- Jharkhand: 05
- Odisha: 05
- Andhra Pradesh: 04
- Chhattisgarh: 03
- Chandigarh: 03
- Gujarat: 02
- Telangana: 01
- Arunachal Pradesh: 01
- Assam: 01
- Manipur: 01
- Meghalaya: 01
- Nepalese origin (Indian Army): 04″