Dehradun, December 8

As many as 409 Gentlemen cadets from different states are set to take the “Antim Pag” (final step) on course to becoming Army officers during the passing out parade at the Indian Military Academy here on Saturday.With 76 Gentlemen cadets belonging to Uttar Pradesh alone, the state tops in terms of contribution to the academy this year, followed by Haryana (58) and Uttarakhand (38). The other top contributors are: Bihar (25), Punjab and Maharashtra (24 each), Rajasthan (23), Delhi (22), Madhya Pradesh (19), Himachal Pradesh (18) and Karnataka (15).As a precursor to the passing out parade, the wreath-laying ceremony was held at the academy’s War Memorial today. Academy’s Commandant Lt Gen SK Jha along with officers and the Academy Under-Officer on behalf of the passing out course laid wreaths and offered floral tributes to the gallant martyrs. — TNS