SHINE BRIGHT , LIEUTENANT !!!

        Yet another reason to be proud given to us by our beloved friend Ankit Sharma. He has added another Feather in his cap ... Actually,The Shining Stars on his shoulders. He has fulfilled his most important dream. Achieved the goal for which he was working so hard ....!
        A boy has become a man. Climber Ankit Sharma is now Lieutenant Ankit Sharma. An Officer In The Indian Army. The Proudest thing for his family and for us, his friends who stood behind him and supported him on this important journey towards his goal.
        Along with his family, I got the opportunity to attend his Passing Out Parade. It was a lifetime experience. I still can't get over the feeling of pride and happiness. I am so grateful to him to consider us as family and giving opportunity to be there for him at the most precious moment of his life. The experience was one of a kind. Not everyone gets the chance to watch the POP Live in action. My heart is still overflowing with the emotions. So I have to share it,write it in words to make those emotions flow.
    

CHIEF GUEST!!

 The Passing Out Parade was scheduled on 12th Sep. 2015 in Chennai at Officers Training Academy

(OTA). We reached chennai on 10th and on the same day in the evening,there was a function at OTA.We all went to OTA by 5 pm. The moment we entered the main gates of OTA Campus,The feeling of Pride struck me. Hundreds of parents,friends of cadets had gathered there.It was so awesome to see all the Cadets in their Uniforms.

 Women Cadets were looking as strong and invincible as men in those uniforms and in soldier cuts.That evening,there was a Award ceremony. First the Award ceremony took place. Best performing cadets and Companies received the Medals and Trophies.

Ankit himself has been awarded with two medals as Best in Marching and Shooting and Best in Physical Training. It was nice to see him on stage receiving those medals.Then there were performances by cadets. Dances, Singing, Music, Acts. 

And I must say, they all are Multi-talented. It was great show. It was followed by Dinner at their Grand Cadet mess. Then Ankit took all of us to his Company Building. Naushera Company.That evening I met one other person who added to our pride as Nasikites. A girl cadet from Nasik. Its very great to see someone from my hometown,that also a girl who is gonna be an Officer.      


There are 7 companiess of cadets in OTA. Naushera, Jessami,Kohima,Meiktila,Basantar of Gentlemen Cadets and Zozila and Philora of Lady Cadets. These companies are named after the places where the battles were fought in past. OTA is the only military academy in India that trains lady

LADY OFFICERS!!

officers. In this batch there were also 14 Afgan GCs. Some of our friendly neighbouring countries send their cadets to India for military training to enhance their skills. Here,at OTA, all these cadets have to train too hard in humid climate of Chennai, go through rigorous,hectic and very tough training for 11 months to become respectable and responsible officers. Lady cadets go through same training, shoulder to shoulder, as men and excel in it. Hats of to them all.Not only to them but all the servicemen and women,The Brave-hearts,in Indian Defence sector.     

         On 12th Sep., we went to OTA at 5 in morning. It was a Big day for everybody. Final Passing Out Parade of Cadets for Becoming commissioned officers. Lieutenants!! At 6 am,all gathered in a parade ground.In front of us there was huge

PASSING OUT PARADE!!

'Parameshwaran Gate' from which the Cadets were going to enter the ground. In short time, they arrived. Marching on the rhythm of band.That scene gave all of us goosebumps. Then The chief guest arrived. Lt. Gen Bakshi. After his speech all the companies marched and circled whole ground. At the end,they slow marched out of the ground towards the 'Antim Pag'.They all were smiling with immense joy. All spectators were so proud of their achievement.The moment cadets crossed the last step,all their emotions broke out. Some broke into tears of joy and pride.Ran into their parents arms. It was hearth-touching scene.

        At the end, came the most important part. Revealing of shining stars and Taking the Oath as an Officers. The stars on the shoulders were revealed by the parents or those who were dear to them. Then all the newly commissioned officers gathered in the

OATH TAKING CEREMONY!!

middle of ground surrounded by proud people. They took an Oath to protect and serve the nation and to sacrifice their lives in the line of duty. Then they sang the Army Song" Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja", followed by our National Anthem. Finally they celebrated their achievement with such an intensity and excitement that gave all the spectators  overwhelming feeling of Pride and Patriotism. For parents it was a feeling of satisfaction that they have raised and nurtured these brave-hearts. Those 3 days are imprinted so deep on my mind which will never  fade away. Looking at these young officers, I wish I could be there where they are standing. If I could go back in time,I would do everything to be like them. 

         As for Ankit, he has always chosen the difficult path in his life,fought his way to success  every time. Without having any family background of Adventure or Army, he First excelled in Climbing ,winning Gold for India in climbing Internationally and Now taking totally different path, he has become an Army Officer. I am so proud of Ankit as much as his family is. I believe that he is destined for greatness and till now he has always proven that.

             

We all wish him and all his Fellow Officers All the very best for their future. May they make the nation proud!!!