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Donning the uniform has been a dream for all of them; many have defied the wishes of their families to join. Commissioned officers passed out jubilantly at Parameshwaran grounds at OTA in Chennai on Saturday. Photo: R. Ravindran

The curriculum covers every aspect of soldiering, including battle inoculation, and ensures that cadets are well acquainted with every kind of terrain and operation they are likely to encounter. The Reviewing Officer congratulated the OTA for having toiled hard to turn out a dynamic group of young military leaders. Photo: R. Ravindran

General Officer Commanding in-Chief (Southern Command) Lt. Gen. P.M. Hariz spoke at the passing-out parade at Officers Training Academy (OTA). He said, “The Indian Army is admired globally for its professionalism in handling critical situations.” Photo: R. Ravindran

Two women are among the 31 lady cadets who passed out of OTA. Photo: R. Ravindran

Swati Mahadik, wife of late Col. Santosh Mahadik, passed out from the OTA. Santosh Mahadik laid down his life while fighting terrorists in Kupwara. Photo: PTI

Nidhi Dubey, another martyr’s widow became an officer. Nidhi Dubey was only 25 when her husband Mukesh Kumar Dubey, an army jawan, died of a cardiac arrest. Photo: R. Ravindran

“I was initially scared of water and hesitant to take the 10-m jump in the water. But I overcame my fears after the officers warned me that the course would be extended for another six months,” Swati Mahadik said. Photo: R. Ravindran

As important as the military skills, are the indefinable virtues that go into making an officer and a gentleman — leadership potential and the courage to lead in battle. The coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ and the gold medal were presented to Abhishek R. Photo: R. Ravindran

The Chief of Army Staff banner for the champion company was presented to Jessami Company. Photo: R. Ravindran