Dehra Dun: It was a proud moment for Ravi
Shukla, a farmer's son, who not only received a gold medal but
also the coveted Sword of Honour for being the best
all-rounder during the Passing Out Parade (POP) at Indian
Military Academy (IMA) today.
Hailing from a backward region of Lakhimpur district of
Uttar Pradesh, 22-year-old Shukla, was awarded gold medal for
standing first in the order of merit in regular course and the
Sword of Honour for being adjudged as best all round gentleman
cadet at IMA.
Shukla, along with 535 other cadets became proud army
officers after they crossed the "final step" at the hallowed
portals of the historic Chetwode building.
Like Shukla, who is being commissioned in 6 Kumaon
regiment, other cadets are no less happy. Harsha Vardhan
Pathak and Rahul Pandita, who won silver and bronze medals for
standing second and third respectively in the order of merit
were also seen celebrating with their family members.
As the celebrations continued, Nepal's army chief General
Chhatra Man Singh Gurung, who was the reviewing officer of the
parade, took time to congratulate parents and other family
members of the cadets passed out of IMA. Gen Gurung has also
been an alumini of the academy in 1973.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, December 12, 2009, 13:43