President Droupadi Murmu hails entry of nine women cadets as ‘watershed moment’ at IMA Passing Out Parade

DEHRADUN: Highlighting a historic milestone, President Droupadi Murmu, who is Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on Saturday said that the inclusion of nine women cadets at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) marks a “watershed moment” in its history and reflects an inspiring example of women-led development, during the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduate Course in Dehradun.

Addressing the cadets, she said, “I am especially delighted to see nine women cadets. This is a watershed moment in the history of the IMA. It is not only a milestone in the history of India’s defence forces but also an inspiring example of women-led development. I am sure that many more women cadets will join the academy.”

Praising the institution, she added, “This academy stands as a shining symbol of honour, courage, and selfless service to the nation. Many extraordinary military leaders who have defended our frontiers have passed out from this academy. I take this opportunity to appreciate everyone associated with this prestigious institution.”

#WATCH | Dehradun, Uttarakhand: At the Spring Term 2026 Passing Out Parade of Indian Military Academy (IMA), President Droupadi Murmu says, “I am specially delighted to see 9 women cadets. This is a watershed moment in the history of IMA. It is not only a milestone in the history… https://t.co/Y6tFHmkMjy pic.twitter.com/dYmnxtB5eE

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2026

The President further said, “It gives me pleasure to see before me the officer cadets who will shortly embark on their journey. Their courage and wisdom will be their strength.” The parade was held at the historic Chetwode Building Drill Square, with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also present on the occasion.

President Murmu, attended the Passing Out Parade (POP) at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun on Saturday as the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer. The President reviewed the impressive Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course and extended her best wishes to the newly commissioned officers.

In her address, the President inspired the graduating cadets to serve the nation with dedication, discipline, patriotism, and an unwavering sense of duty in safeguarding Mother India. She emphasised that military officers are not only guardians of the nation’s borders but also custodians of the trust, aspirations, and honour of 1.4 billion Indians.

The President noted that in an era of rapidly evolving global security challenges and technological advancements, the Indian Army must continue to embrace innovation, modernisation, and adaptability. She urged the young officers to lead from the front, uphold the highest ethical standards, and maintain a balance between the welfare of their soldiers and operational effectiveness.

President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the passing out parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. The President said that as Army officers, the officer cadets will be responsible for leading, guiding and caring… pic.twitter.com/cClhQ1PPMP

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 13, 2026

A total of 515 Gentleman and Lady Cadets, including nine women cadets, will be commissioned into the Indian Army upon completion of the parade. The graduating contingent also includes 34 officer cadets from 16 friendly foreign nations, who will join the armed forces of their respective countries.

This year’s parade holds special significance and marks a historic milestone in the 94-year history of the Indian Military Academy. For the first time, a batch of women officer cadets is graduating from IMA and will be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.

It is worth noting that for every officer cadet, the Passing Out Parade is far more than a ceremonial event. It represents the culmination of months and years of rigorous military training, culminating in the proud moment when they are commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.

The Spring Term 2026 Passing Out Parade being held today is a landmark occasion, as it marks the commissioning of the first batch of women officer cadets trained at the IMA.

The nine women officer cadets, who joined the Academy in July 2025, have completed their training and are marching alongside their male counterparts during this prestigious ceremony. Their commissioning reflects the expanding role of women in the armed forces and represents another significant step towards greater inclusivity in military leadership.

For the Indian Military Academy, which has been shaping military leaders since 1932, this is truly a historic milestone. The Indian Military Academy was established on 1 October 1932. Since its inception, more than 65,000 cadets have passed out from the prestigious institution, including cadets from 34 friendly countries.

One of the most significant highlights of this year’s Passing Out Parade was the successful commissioning of nine women cadets. This marks a historic milestone in the history of the Indian Military Academy and further strengthens the vision of women-led development and a more empowered India.

A total of 481 Indian Gentleman Cadets, along with 34 foreign cadets from 16 friendly nations, passed out during the ceremony. The President described this as a reflection of India’s growing global friendships, mutual trust, and expanding international defence cooperation.

The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Gurmit Singh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami; Commandant of the Indian Military Academy, Lieutenant General Nagendra Singh; senior military and civil administration officials; distinguished guests; and a large gathering of attendees who witnessed this historic occasion and encouraged the newly commissioned officers.

The President conveyed her best wishes to all the newly commissioned officers and expressed confidence that they would play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s security, honour, and integrity. (ANI)