By M S Nazki
A gentleman is someone who does not what he wants to do, but what he should do! That is what the Indian Military Academy Teaches!
-I think there have always been two senses of the word gentleman: the fine man of high birth and the fine man of good character. Some miss both but a Gentleman cadet would not……!
-Always be a Gentleman. Do not dominate or offend anyone. We are all changing and evolving each moment of our life. Be kind and graceful in all your dealing with others…….(A third Generation Indian Army Officer)
-The gentleman is dignified but not arrogant. The small man is arrogant but not dignified…….I knew that from the very beginning that a Gentleman means a lot, (I would have forgotten the words worth had I not been a cadet once)…..The man remains the same only the face changes……In my father’s words the word Gentleman remains the same but the biographical image if seen in the annals of military history mirrors change!
– A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out. I think the game is all about learning! Some learn it in military academies and some learn the lessons in dire adversity! But do not answer back! A true gentleman is one who is never unintentionally rude.
-The Chetwode Motto, a foundational principle of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), emphasizes selfless service and leadership. It states: ‘The safety, honor, and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honor, welfare, and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort, and safety come last, always and every time.’
-This motto, inscribed on the walls of Chetwode Hall, serves as a guiding beacon for cadets and officers, shaping their ethos of leadership and soldiering. It underscores the importance of prioritizing the nation’s interests, the well-being of one’s subordinates, and personal sacrifices.
-The motto was first articulated by Field Marshal Philip Chetwode at the IMA’s inauguration in 1932. It remains a powerful reminder of the core values expected of all those who graduate from the academy.
-In the Indian Army, cadets at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) are referred to as Gentleman Cadets. This designation is not just a term of address, but reflects the high standards of conduct, ethics, and leadership expected of future officers. The term emphasizes the expectation that they will embody gentlemanly qualities and uphold the values of the armed forces.
-Cultural and Historical Significance: The term “Gentleman Cadet” has historical roots in British military traditions, where it denoted a trainee officer with a certain level of social standing and education.
-Emphasis on Values: The IMA aims to instill not just military skills but also ethical and moral principles in its cadets. The term “Gentleman Cadet” reinforces this focus on character development.
-Training and Expectations: Cadets at the IMA undergo rigorous military training, but they are also expected to demonstrate qualities such as discipline, respect, and integrity. The term “Gentleman Cadet” serves as a constant reminder of these expectations.
-Beyond Military Proficiency: The designation Gentleman Cadet signifies that the individual is not just being trained for military duties but also for leadership roles that require a high degree of personal conduct and responsibility.
-Social and Professional Identity: The term helps shape the cadets’ professional identity as future officers who are expected to represent the armed forces with dignity and honor.
-Cadet is also used as a rank for those enrolled in military academies of India, such as the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Indian Coast Guard Academy, Officers Training Academy or Armed Forces Medical College (India).
-These cadets are commissioned as officers in the respective service upon graduation and commit to serve. The term Gentleman Cadet is used to refer to Indian Military Academy trainees.
-The fundamentals:
– A cadet is a student or trainee within various organisations, primarily in military contexts where individuals undergo training to become commissioned officers. However, several civilian organisations, including civil aviation groups, maritime organisations, and police services, also designate their trainees as cadets.
In several military services, cadets, flight cadets, officer cadets, and gentleman/lady cadets may refer to recruits and students that are undergoing military training to become commissioned officers. The specific rank structure and responsibilities of cadets can vary among different military organisations.
-Being a male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of age. Being a Gentleman is a matter of choice.”
Who doesn’t admire a man in uniform? There’s something about his crisp attire, his shining medals and the charm he exudes, which makes heads turn. However, simply donning a uniform does not make any man an idol for the masses. What make him extraordinary are his characteristic qualities and his concern for the welfare of his countrymen.
The same holds true for a Gentleman Cadet. A trainee, on admission to the Indian Military Academy is referred to as a Gentleman Cadet until his Passing-Out Parade. His name itself has the word ‘gentleman’ in it. Needless to say, a Gentleman Cadet has qualities which each one of us should not just look up to, but also take inspiration from.
-The IMA expects its graduates to uphold the highest moral and ethical values. With the result that Gentleman Cadets are probably the most polite and well- mannered men you will ever come across.
– Ever the discerning man, a Gentleman Cadet will most often be found in attire which is as decorous as his behaviour. His manner of dressing is tasteful and debonair. He looks prim and proper at all functions, reflecting how well groomed he is. Cropped hair, well- tailored clothes, clean shaven, and high standards of personal hygiene- he always shines.
-Having been trained for the harshest of conditions in life, a Gentleman Cadet knows how to make the most of any situation. He is practical and can make optimum use of available resources to tackle any obstacle that comes his way. Training one’s mind to always be positive is an excellent way to overcome any hurdle in life- on the battleground, or off it. Moreover, he lives each moment to the fullest. Living in the moment, and enjoying fully, is a wonderful quality.
– Who can be more selfless than a man who is willing to die for his own country? A Gentleman Cadet’s generosity of heart and altruistic concerns are inspiring, to say the least. He has single- minded devotion towards the welfare of his nation and no amount of criticism can deter him from his path.
– If there is anyone who embodies the secular spirit of India in the best way, it is the Gentleman Cadet. All Gentleman Cadets in the IMA hail from diverse backgrounds. The Academy moulds these differences and cultivates a flavour of common bonding amongst them. No Gentleman Cadet is used to preferential treatment on the basis of anything- be it caste, class, religion or race. Such a spirit of unity needs proliferation across the country.
– Gentleman Cadets take good care of their health. This means not just physical, but also mental well- being. No matter how stressful or gruelling one’s work is, daily exercise routines are indispensable for long term benefits for the body. A Gentleman Cadet is fit enough to run, jump, climb, and scuttle around. What one can absorb from this aspect is that keeping fit and active is a must for all. Nurture your physique and your mental potential.
– Discipline and obedience are two cardinal principles which a Gentleman Cadet swears by. True discipline denotes abiding to a set routine as a personal habit, not only under supervision. A Gentleman Cadet does not let distractions hinder him from his path or goals. He exercises, works, eats, and sleeps according to a set pattern that is good for his body.
Stories about Gentlemen Cadets at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) often highlight the rigorous training, legacy of service, and personal triumphs of young men and women who aspire to become officers in the Indian Army. These narratives often emphasize the cadets’ dedication, the influence of family military traditions, and the challenges faced during their journey to becoming commissioned officers.
-Legacy and Lineage: Many stories focus on cadets who come from families with a strong military background, highlighting how their family’s service inspires their own commitment.
-Overcoming Challenges: Some stories share the experiences of cadets who come from modest backgrounds and face financial or academic hurdles to join the IMA, emphasizing their resilience and determination.
-Training and Transformation: The training at IMA is often depicted as demanding, involving physical and mental challenges that transform cadets into disciplined officers.
-Personal Triumphs: Stories also celebrate cadets who achieve distinction, such as winning the Sword of Honour, a prestigious award for outstanding performance during training.
-Tragic Incidents: Unfortunately, some stories recount the loss of cadets during training exercises, reminding everyone of the risks involved in military service.
-Examples of Stories:
-Lt. Arjun Ahluwalia: A fourth-generation army officer whose family legacy inspired his decision to join the IMA.
-Lt. Jatin Kumar: A cadet who, inspired by his father’s military service, won the Sword of Honour at IMA, demonstrating both legacy and personal achievement.
-The Washerman’s Son: A story about a cadet from a humble background who overcame challenges to achieve his dream of joining the IMA.
-Amul Rawal’s Death: A tragic incident where a cadet died during a night navigation exercise, highlighting the dangers faced by cadets during training.
The motto of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) is “Veerta aur Vivek” “Valor and Wisdom” in English. The academy aims to instill these qualities in its cadets.
We have not finished off as yet:
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) is one of the oldest military academies in India, and trains officers for the Indian Army. Located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, it was established in 1932 following a recommendation by a military committee set up under the chairmanship of General (later Field Marshal) Sir Philip Chetwode. From a class of 40 male cadets in 1932, IMA now has a sanctioned capacity of 1,650. Cadets undergo a training course varying between 3 and 16 months depending on entry criteria.
On completion of the course at IMA cadets are permanently commissioned into the army as Lieutenants.
The academy, spread over 1,400 acres (5.7 km2), houses the Chetwode Hall, Khetarpal Auditorium, Somnath Stadium, Salaria Aquatic Centre, Hoshiar Singh Gymnasium and other facilities that facilitate the training of cadets.
Cadets in IMA are organized into a regiment with four battalions of four companies each. The academy’s mission, to train future military leaders of the Indian Army, goes hand in hand with the character building enshrined in the IMA honour code, warrior code and motto. Cadets take part in a variety of sports, adventure activities, physical training, drills, weapons training and leadership development activities.
-The History in small words though the subject is big:
The Government of India transferred the former property of the Railway Staff College of the Indian Railways, with its 206-acre campus and associated infrastructure, to the Indian Military Academy. Brigadier L.P. Collins was appointed the first Commandant and the first batch of 40 gentleman cadets (GC), as IMA trainees are known, began their training on 1 October 1932. The institute was inaugurated on 10 December 1932 by General Sir Philip Chetwode, 7th Bt.] Chetwode was promoted to being a Field Marshal the following year, in February 1933.
-In 1934, before the first batch had passed out, Viceroy Lord Willingdon presented the first colours to the academy on behalf of King George V. The first batch of cadets to graduate from the academy, graduating in December 1934, now known as the Pioneers, included Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, General Muhammad Musa and General Smith Dun, who became the Army Chiefs of India, Pakistan, and Burma, respectively.
– General Dun graduated at the top of his class at IMA and also commanded the passing out parade for the first course. The second, third, fourth and fifth batches were called, respectively, Immortals, Invincible, Stalwarts and Bahadurs.
-Following the Independence of India in August 1947 and the subsequent partition creating Pakistan, a number of British officers who were trainers in the academy left for Britain, while Pakistani cadets left for Pakistan.
– A total of 110 Pakistani cadets then continued their training at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul.
– Brigadier Thakur Mahadeo Singh, DSO, was appointed the first Indian Commandant of the academy. The 189 GCs who graduated on 20 December 1947 were the first class from IMA to be commissioned into a free India.
-In late 1947, the Chiefs of Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, following the recommendation of a 1946 committee headed by Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck, decided to initiate an action plan to commission a new Joint Services training academy.
– In the interim, they decided to conduct Joint Services training at IMA. The academy was renamed the Armed Forces Academy and a new Joint Services Wing (JSW) was commissioned on 1 January 1949, while training of Army officers continued in the Military Wing.
– The academy was renamed as the National Defence Academy (NDA) on 1 January 1950, ahead of India becoming a Republic. In December 1954, when the new Joint Services training academy was established in Khadakwasla, near Pune, the NDA name along with the Joint Services Wing was transferred to Khadakwasla.
– The academy in Dehradun was then rechristened as the Military College. Brigadier M.M. Khanna, MVC was the first IMA alumni to be appointed Commandant of IMA at the end of 1956.
– In 1960, the founding name, Indian Military Academy, was reinstated. On 10 December 1962, on the 30th anniversary of the academy’s inauguration, the second President of India, Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, presented new colors to the academy.
And it is here that the Gentleman cadets arise from and tend to the impossible! ‘Karna Hai Toh Karna Hai………..Toh Phir Dar Kis Baat Ka’! A Gentleman never speaks his thoughts aloud, he does what is expected from him! Some speak it early and some late but the days of being Gentlemen cadets and Gentle ladies are never bound to return again except that word ‘Gentleman’! And in the older years of life we do not remain cadets!
