Dehra Dun:
It was a proud moment for Ravi Shukla, a farmer's son, who not only received a gold medal but also the coveted Sword of Honour for being the best all-rounder during the Passing Out Parade (POP) at Indian Military Academy (IMA) on Saturday.
Hailing from a backward region of Lakhimpur district of Uttar Pradesh, 22-year-old Shukla, was awarded gold medal for standing first in the order of merit in regular course and the Sword of Honour for being adjudged as best all round gentleman cadet at IMA.
Shukla, along with 535 other cadets became proud army officers after they crossed the "final step" at the hallowed portals of the historic Chetwode building.
Like Shukla, who is being commissioned in 6 Kumaon regiment, other cadets are no less happy. Harsha Vardhan Pathak and Rahul Pandita, who won silver and bronze medals for standing second and third respectively in the order of merit were also seen celebrating with their family members.
As the celebrations continued, Nepal's army chief General Chhatra Man Singh Gurung, who was the reviewing officer of the parade, took time to congratulate parents and other family members of the cadets passed out of IMA. Gen Gurung has also been an alumini of the academy in 1973.