Dehradun, June 15 -- A total of 451 cadets passed out of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, as officers on Saturday, including 419 from India and 32 from 9 friendly countries with the passing-out parade (PoP) for the spring term 2025. Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, the Commander of Sri Lanka Army, reviewed the parade. He congratulated the officer cadets on successful completion of their training at IMA. "I am deeply honoured and moved to the point of tears to stand before you as the first IMA alumnus to return as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and review this parade. Looking at your faces, I see my younger self. This place doesn't just train officers; it forges bonds that last a lifetime," he said, as he expressed his gratitude to Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi and the Indian Army for the invitation. As he addressed the officer cadets, he recalled the day he himself had marched onto the same hallowed ground. He reflected on how his journey, like that of the officer cadets present, had begun with a simple haircut in the barber chair of the IMA. He told the officer cadets that today, they were not just wearing a rank but they were embracing a way of life. "Being an officer is all about earning the quiet respect of those they lead. Respect isn't granted with a commission, it's earned daily through conduct, character, and choices," he said. Rodrigo said every officer must uphold to three unshakable responsibilities. "First, to the nation, second, to the their soldiers and third, to the families of our brave hearts," he said. The parade began with the marker's call sounded by five markers stationed atop the historic Chetwode hall, and marched in perfect harmony to the tunes of "Col Bogey", "Sare Jahan Se Acha" and "Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja". The coveted Sword of Honour (awarded to best all-around cadet) and silver medal was awarded by reviewing officer to Anni Nehra, the gold medal was given to Ronit Ranjan Nayak....