On Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the passing-out parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA). This event is considered historic for the Indian Army and the women of the country, as it marks the commissioning of the first batch of women cadets into the force.
First Batch of Women Cadets Makes History
At the IMA passing-out parade, nine women cadets were commissioned as officers into the Indian Army. This achievement stands as a significant symbol of women’s participation in the Indian Armed Forces and upholds constitutional values.
Doors Opened Following Supreme Court Verdict
Previously, women were not permitted to enter this stream of training. The doors opened for women following a historic Supreme Court verdict in June 2022. This decision gave a new direction to the role of women in the armed forces, and today, the historic results of that move were witnessed.
515 Cadets Pass Out from IMA
A total of 515 cadets passed out from the IMA this year, including 34 foreign cadets from 16 countries. Among the graduates were nine women cadets from the first batch, who stepped into the Indian Army as officers after completing rigorous training.
Women Officers Commissioned at Air Force Academy
A Combined Graduation Parade was held at the Air Force Academy, where 231 flight cadets completed their pre-commissioning training. This group included 194 men and 37 women cadets. Among the 37 women officers commissioned, five were from the first batch of women cadets to be inducted into the Indian Air Force.
Rajnath Singh Attends Ceremony
While President Murmu reviewed the parade at the IMA, Rajnath Singh attended the ceremony held at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal. Both programs gave new recognition to the significant role and contribution of women in the armed forces.
The Sukhoi, Sarang, and Surya Kiran teams put on thrilling performances.
The Combined Graduation Parade concluded with a grand air show. Spectacular displays by the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi fighter jets, the Sarang helicopter team, and the Surya Kiran aerobatic team were the highlights of the event.
