CHENNAI: If provoked, India will give lethal punishment to the enemies the next time, said Western Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar on Saturday. Speaking at the passing out parade at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, Lieutenant General Katiyar said in today’s fragmented world, India faced its own set of security challenges. “On the western front of the nation, our adversary continues to provoke us. We responded in a calculated and measured manner through Operation Sindoor. Next time around, in case of any adverse event, our punishment will be more severe and lethal. And it maybe you who will be delivering it,” he said.He appealed to the cadets to lead their troops by setting an example. He said that it was necessary to keep abreast of emerging technologies during soldiering and decision-making. “Lately, there were sweeping technological advancements that rapidly changed the face of conflicts. It is necessary for you to improvise, innovate and adapt to the emerging trend. The leader is the one who will be expected to synthesise all the information and take a pragmatic decision,” he added.Passing out parade As many as 345 officer cadets clad in dark olive green passed out to enter the Indian Army after months of rigorous training.The day kicked off with 318 officer cadets and 27 women officer cadets of the SSC-121 and SSC W-(35) batches taking out the ceremonial military parade in the presence of Lieutenant General Katiyar. Parents turned shutterbugs, capturing moments of their sons and daughters as they walked past the anxious crowd.The piping ceremony followed, with cadets running to their parents and relatives — like children returning home after their first day at school — to get their rank insignia pinned onto their shoulders. Tears welled up in the eyes of parents as their sons and daughters took the constitutional oath, getting commissioned into various services in the Army.“It has always been my son’s dream to get into the armed forces. He not only brought laurels to me, but to our family, our village and soon, our nation,” said Ghunjar Singh, father of a cadet.At the ceremony, ACA Piyush Bisht received the Sword of Honour and the Bronze Medal from the Reviewing Officer. OC Chirag received the OTA Gold Medal, and BUO Pushpindra Rathore received silver.
