Golden Jubilee Celeberations for the June 1968 Batch of Gentlemen Cadets of the esteemed INDIAN MILITARY ACADEMY, Dehradun, Utterathund, was held for three days 13 to 15 June, though the actual date the cadets became commissioned officers was on a rainy day on 09 June 1968. The batch consisted of approximately 140 veteran officers from National Defence Acfademy (NDA), Direct Entry (DE), Army Cadet Corp (ACC,) Officer Training Unit (OTU) and 25 Technical Graduates, along with their spouses and 20 widows of the officers who are no more.
To say the least, preparations began nearly a year back, it had been a Herculean task to contact the course mates scattered to the far off corners of the country and the world. Thanks to the great efforts of Col. Ravinder Singh Bedi, who rallied the largest group to ever participated in GJC.
This class of 68 contributed to the Army 11 Lt Generals, a Kirti Chakra and Sena Medals and others. They all, as young officers, distinguished themselves during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, and later other major Operations undertaken by the Army. Many Unsung amoungst them. In addition, the course has the distinction of producing a Vice Chancellor, sky divers, mountaineers, CEO of NGOs, entrepreneurs, educationists and corporate heads.
The core organising team was headed by Col. Bedi and Brig. RS Rawat, who was the winner of ‘Sword of Honour’. The course paid high tributes to the Officers, and instructional staff that trained them in IMA, transforming the then trainees Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) into young officers. “A dinner hosted for instructors as a mark of respect towards those who trained the Gentlemen Cadets at the IMA”.
It was an emotional re-union. So much had changed in 50 Years, now most over 70 years, hardly recognizable. Tears of immense Joy and merriment was in the air, with renewed promises to ‘Keep in touch’ and to look forward to the ‘Diamond Celeberation’ in 2028! Their dossiers were presented, vetrans went through them with immense curiosity and amusement. The course was trooped around the IMA in Buses. There were numerous changes for the better in keeping with the present day conflict requirement. They went through a nostalgic experience, while the ladies were in awe, with greater respect for their other halves, for having undergone such rigorous traning. The IMA was fully geared up for the occasion and helped the course enjoy their stay to the fullest. The veterans performed the ‘Wreath Laying Ceremony’ where the vetrans ‘Slow Marched’ their way to the ‘WAR MEMORIAL’, to remember their comrades in arms lost in the service to the nation . Both officers and Ladies went though a very emotional and teaful experience.
“The departed course mates were also remembered and cake was cut and ‘TOAST’ was raised to them and their brave widows.
There was much gaiety joy, outstanding food, Music and dancing. Course talent surprised everyone, with Maj. Gen Shiv Jaswal (Trumpet), Brig. RS Rawat (Vocals and Mouth organ), Col. Jai Jind (Elvis songs), Mrs Arun Prabha Ghai and others. The diehards played Golf! A hilarious ‘Skit was Presented by Lt. Gen. Zameer-udin Shah and his wife Sabiha. The hub of the activities was in Vikram Batra, Gentlemen Cadet’s Mess and the Company Lines of the Gentlemen Cadets, where these veterans and their wives stayed.
The course departed, with tearful hugs and promises to keep connected, so much so, they suggested that the event be held every year in different cities or even abroad!
