'Till Yesterday They Were Your Children, From Tomorrow They Will Be Ours': General M M Naravane Tells Parents Of Gentlemen Cadets

The Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, witnessed 333 cadets commissioned into the Indian Army from a total of 423 cadets commissioned -- including 90 from friendly nations. Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane reviewed the Parade.

On the occasion, Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane said that the safety and honour of the country in these difficult times depend on the ability of the young officers as military leaders.

He added that the cadets have to live up to the expectations of the countrymen and ensure that whatever they do is for their welfare of the countrymen.

The army does not discriminate, Naravane said. He asked the cadets to rise above petty considerations of caste, creed and religion.

The parade was different this year owing to Covid-related precautions and restrictions -- including masks, physical distancing and some missing features.

Parents of the gentlemen cadets were missing from the parade.

Addressing the parents of the gentlemen cadets, who were not allowed to attend the ceremony amid the fears of Covid-19 spread and coronavirus infection, Naravane said: "Till yesterday they (gentlemen cadets) were your children but from tomorrow they will be ours."

The Parade and pipping ceremony was telecast live to make it reach the parents, siblings and dear ones of the gentlemen cadets.

The Tribune says in its report: With 66 cadets, Uttar Pradesh tops the list. The third slot is shared by Uttarakhand and Bihar with 31 cadets each. The cadets belong to the 146th Regular Course and 129th Technical Graduates Course.

As per convention, the cadets leave for home after the POP to be with their families -- for about two to three weeks.

This year, owing to Covid-19 restrictions, they are expected to head to the places of their first posting. For the first time, the parade was broadcast on the official YouTube channel of the Indian Army.