Widow continues martyr’s mission for the nation

The 38-year-old widow of the martyred Colonel, who was a teacher, chose her late husband’s path. She passed out the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai on Saturday.

During the passing out parade, her eyes showed no happiness, but gratitude. She was selected for the Services Selection Board. “Ever since my husband passed away, I have become emotionless. If there is a chance, I would happily accept to live that life again with Colonel,” she said.

She was one among the 322 Officer Cadets who were commissioned as Officers of the Indian Army following the completion of vigorous training at the Academy.

Another Lady Cadet, 24-year-old Saria Abbasi, who also passed out of the Academy, had left her previous profession and interests to train for the Army. A Genetic Engineer by profession, she was also a Radio Jockey, who was associated with the BBC.

“I always wanted to do something different. Being a first-generation officer, I was not aware of anything. There were a lot of challenges, but I worked hard and was pipped (putting on rank badges on uniform) at the ceremony, which was the best feeling.

The Passing out Parade of the Officers Training Academy, a unique biannual event, saw 266 Gentleman Cadets and 31 Lady Cadets commissioned as Officers of the Indian Army. Further, 25 Cadets from Bhutan, Maldives, Fiji and Afghanistan also were commissioned into their respective Armies.

Lieutenant General PM Hariz, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Command reviewed the spectacular parade which was commanded by Academy Under Officer (AUO) Abhishek R.