Speech by Her Excellency the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at the Passing Out Parade at the Officers Training Academy (Ota)

I am delighted to be in the Officers Training Academy to review the passing out parade of 87th Short Service Course and first Short Service Course for women. I am aware that the cadets, passing out from the Academy today, have successfully completed the demanding training in full measure. You have withstood the test and proved your ability to march on, shoulder to shoulder, taking on the physical and mental challenges. It makes me, and the nation proud of your achievement.

It is a matter of pride that the women, who have joined the Force, have completed successfully the full training capsule in the first Short Service Course for women. It shows that they have come a long way since our national freedom movement and today are standing - firm and determined - on the frontiers of the nation with matching zeal and enthusiasm. The Officers Training Academy, which has served the nation with dedication for the past 46 years, has been a pioneer in opening avenues for these young women aspirants to fulfill their dream of becoming a part of this great Indian force. This fine institute deserves commendation for its contribution to the nation.

Till now, nearly 20,000 gentlemen and lady cadets have been commissioned from the Officers Training Academy, taking the final step to fill the echelons of our reputed Army. They have gone on to serve the nation with distinction, winning the highest accolades and awards for gallantry, during peace and war. Shortly, you will be commissioned officers. The nation looks up to you as examples of selflessness and dedication. You will be called upon to deliver in the most demanding circumstances and lead your men from the front. Your training here has equipped you very well for this challenge and I am sure you will be able to meet the demands of the present environment with professional acumen. However, in order to do so, you have to constantly prepare yourself and keep abreast of latest technological advancements. The modern army is a knowledge-based force and application of science and Information Technology has become an integral part of defence preparedness and warfare. In today's knowledge-centric era, every soldier should be technology efficient, a requirement that highlights the need for better training for increased efficiency.

During your training you would have been sensitized about the external security scenario, particularly of our region. An understanding of the threat perceptions is important for your preparedness in dealing with challenges. Today, terrorism poses a grave threat to global peace, stability and progress. India has been a victim of terrorist attacks. This menace has to be dealt with determinedly and eradicated. Modern warfare must necessarily incorporate measures to counter threats posed by terrorism.

The career chosen by you is not merely a job or a career or a profession, but it is a calling. It is one of the highest calling to defend the nation. The road ahead is full of challenges. Success will come only to those who are determined in their endeavour and possess the virtue of sound character. Herein lies the unique success of our training institutions. I have always been impressed by the emphasis on these aspects of training in our training institutions, which is the reason why our academies attract students from distant lands.

I am also happy to learn that today, amongst those who are passing out, are members of friendly foreign countries of Afghanistan, Jamaica and Seychelles. I hope each one of these cadets have enjoyed their stay in India and will be returning home with pleasant memories of their stay in our country. I am confident that the training they have received here will benefit them in the service of their country. The bonds of friendship with fellow cadets that they have formed here will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between our nations.

I commend the faculty members who have shaped the cadets as responsible army officers with commitment, dedication and sincerity to defend the nation. I congratulate the Instructional Staff and Administration Staff for building a robust institutional framework for providing quality training to the cadets and grooming them into high calibre officers and gentlemen.

I extend my heartiest congratulations to the proud parents and guardians of the cadets. Their pride is well justified; for the young men and women here are the crme-de-la-crme of our great nation. The nation reposes its trust in them. It looks to them with pride and with hope. Let me once again compliment them on the steadiness and precision that they have shown in the parade today. I wish them all success in their chosen career. Finally, let me remind them of their ideal, their duty, their karma and their Dharma in one line, 'For the Honour of India Serve with Honour'.

Jai Hind.