By Pravin Kumar
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, celebrated the Passing Out Parade (POP) of its Spring Term 2025 on Saturday, marking the commissioning of 451 officer cadets, including 32 from friendly foreign countries, into their respective armies.
The prestigious event, held at the iconic Drill Square, was reviewed by Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, who returned to his alma mater in a deeply emotional homecoming. The parade showcased military discipline, precision, and the culmination of rigorous training, with Keren Company clinching the top honor among 12 competing units.
Lieutenant General Rodrigo, an IMA alumnus commissioned in December 1990 as part of the 87th Course, described the occasion as a “profoundly emotional” moment. Addressing the newly commissioned officers, he reflected on his own journey, stating, “I am deeply honored 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.” He emphasized that commissioning is only the beginning, with the true challenge lying in earning the respect of those they lead. “True leadership is tested not in peace but in the chaos of conflict, as I myself experienced during Sri Lanka’s long and difficult fight with internal conflict,” he added, drawing from his extensive combat experience.
Rodrigo urged the cadets to uphold the timeless code of military service he learned at IMA: “The country’s safety, welfare, and honor come first, then that of the men you command. Your own safety comes last.” He called on the officers to wear their uniforms as a symbol of their nation’s trust and to lead with conviction, particularly in times of crisis. For the 32 foreign cadets, including those from Sri Lanka, he advised them to return home as ambassadors of IMA’s legacy, urging all to “write your own chapter in the glorious history of the IMA.”
Pipping Ceremony and Medals
Following the parade, Lt Gen Rodrigo attended the Pipping Ceremony, where he personally pipped two Sri Lankan gentleman cadets, including Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake, into commissioned officers. The ceremony held special significance as Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake, the cadet’s father, was present to witness his son’s commissioning, adding a personal and emotional dimension to the event.
Rodrigo also presented medals to outstanding officer cadets, recognizing their exceptional performance. The coveted Sword of Honour and Silver Medal for standing second in the order of merit were awarded to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra. The Gold Medal for standing first in the order of merit went to Academy Under Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak, while the Bronze Medal for third place was presented to Battalion Under Officer Anurag Verma. The Silver Medal for the top performer in the Technical Graduate Course was awarded to Sergeant Akash Bhadouriya, and the award for the best foreign cadet went to Nishan Balami from Nepal.
Congratulating the newly commissioned officers and their proud parents, Rodrigo exhorted them to uphold the highest traditions and ethos of their respective armies and strive to be exemplary leaders. “A soldier’s discipline is forged on the drill square,” remarked Brigadier Hemant Singh, encapsulating the rigor of IMA’s training.
Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Military Ties
Lt Gen Rodrigo’s presence at the POP capped a four-day official visit to India from June 11 to 14, aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation. The visit, which followed a defense cooperation pact signed in April 2025 between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, underscored the deepening defense partnership between the two nations.
On June 11, Rodrigo laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and was accorded a Guard of Honour at South Block Lawns. He held high-level meetings with Indian military and defense officials, including Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Discussions focused on joint training, capability enhancement, and regional security, with a briefing on India’s Operation Sindoor, launched against terrorist camps in Pakistan.
On June 12, Rodrigo visited Jaipur to meet Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command, and planted a tree at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, symbolizing the enduring India-Sri Lanka military relationship. The visit highlighted the strong training ties, with approximately 700 Sri Lankan Army personnel currently undergoing training at Indian military establishments, making Sri Lanka the largest foreign participant in such programs. The bilateral exercise “Mitra Shakti,” held in Sri Lanka in August 2024, remains a cornerstone of operational synergy.
IMA’s Legacy and the Parade
The POP, a spectacle of military precision, was livestreamed for global audiences, reflecting IMA’s stature as the “cradle of leadership” for the Indian Army and friendly nations.
The academy, established in 1932, has trained generations of officers, including Lt Gen Rodrigo, whose career exemplifies its values. A graduate of IMA’s Officer Cadet Course, Rodrigo also holds advanced qualifications from institutions like the National Defence University in Washington, DC, and has been decorated with the Rana Sura Padakkama for bravery in Sri Lanka’s humanitarian operations.
The parade featured 451 cadets, with 32 from countries including Sri Lanka, Nepal, and others, showcasing IMA’s role in fostering international military camaraderie. The event concluded with the newly commissioned officers stepping into their roles, ready to serve with honor and lead with courage.
Looking Ahead
As the new officers embark on their careers, they carry forward IMA’s legacy, inspired by Rodrigo’s call to lead fearlessly and serve selflessly, echoing Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s words: “Be truthful, be honest, be fearless, and the rest will follow.”
