Passing out parade at Officers Training Academy Chennai

Parameshwaran Drill Square, in OTA Chennai resonated once again with the martial music tunes on 21 November 2020 to commemorate the Passing Out Parade in the best traditional military regalia and splendour. The immaculate drill followed by pipping ceremony marked the commissioning of 181 Gentleman Cadets and 49 Women Cadets of the SSC-110 and SSC (W) - 24 Course respectively.

In addition 15 Gentleman Cadets and 05 Women Cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries (05 Gentleman Cadets and 03 Women Cadets from Bhutan, 02 Women Cadets from Maldives, 10 Gentleman Cadets from Afghanistan) also graduated on the occasion.

OTA since its inception in 1963 has been the cradle of Military Leadership. The Short Service Commission has over the years attracted the cream of the youth, of both men and women, who have passed through the portals of the Academy to step forth as Warriors, Leaders and Protectors of the Nation.

Due to the present pandemic and precautions put in place to safeguard against the spread of COVID 19, parents were not invited to witness the event. However, OTA Chennai made arrangements for live streaming of POP and Pipping Ceremony on DD Podhigai, DD Bharati and YouTube Channels.

The Parade was reviewed by Lieutenant General RP Singh, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, GOC-in-C, Western Command who also presented the Sword of Honour and the Gold Medal to ACA Varun Ganapathy CP, Silver Medal to AUO Mahadev Singh Rathore, and the Bronze Medal to BUO Patil Dhiraj Patangrao.

During his address, the Chief Guest complimented the Cadets and Staff of the Officers Training Academy on the excellent standard displayed by all. He exhorted the Cadets of the Passing Out Course to always adhere to the core values of ‘Selfless Service to the Nation’, to and strive for excellence in all the endeavours and to be successful leaders of our brave jawans in defence of the Nation.

After the Passing Out Parade, ‘Pipping Ceremony’ was conducted in which the cadets of Passing Out Course donned the shining stars on their shoulders. For the first time, the newly commissioned officers of OTA, Chennai crossed the ‘PEHLA KADAM’ symbolic of a new beginning as officers in our great Army.