President Murmu evaluates the IMA parade and hails the induction of female cadets as a historical milestone
President Droupadi Murmu felicitates Indian Military Academy cadet on parade of 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Post Graduate Course at Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun. | Photo credit: ANI
President of India Droupadi Murmu on Saturday (June 13, 2026) reviewed the parade of the 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Post Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, describing the admission of female cadets to the academy as a watershed moment in its history.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the President congratulated the officer cadets on successfully completing one of the most rigorous military training programs in the country. She said courage and wisdom will be their greatest assets as they embark on their careers in the Indian Army.
President Murmu expressed delight at the presence of nine female cadets in the graduating group and said their participation marked a significant milestone not only for IMA but also for India’s journey towards women-led development. She expressed confidence that many more women will enter the academy in the coming years.
The President also congratulated the cadets from friendly foreign countries and expressed confidence that they would bring laurels to their armed forces and nations through their service and values imbibed in the academy.
Emphasizing the importance of international military training, she said the presence of foreign cadets at the IMA reflected India’s commitment to promote friendship, cooperation and peaceful relations with countries around the world. The professional bonds and mutual understanding created during the training, she noted, contribute significantly to strengthening defense cooperation between nations.
President Murmu reminded the officer cadets that they are the custodians of India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity and have the trust of more than 140 million citizens. She stressed that service to the nation is the highest duty and urged them to remain committed to the values of the armed forces.
Referring to evolving security challenges and rapid technological advancements, the President said the Indian Army must remain adaptable and future-ready. She advised young officers to be lifelong learners, courageous decision makers and ethical leaders.
She also stressed the responsibility of officers to their soldiers, saying they must lead by example, instill confidence and promote teamwork. By balancing operational efficiency with Soldier well-being, officers can build trust and improve the combat effectiveness of their units, she said.
The President urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold the best traditions of the armed forces, lead from the front and always look after the soldiers under their command.
Published – 13 Jun 2026 12:51 IST