Dehra Dun: Asking the armed forces to be
well acquainted in dealing with challenges of the `knowledge
era`, President Pratibha Patil on Saturday said threats to the
country`s security are "constantly changing".
"The nature of warfare on the battlefield is
constantly changing, as indeed are the various threats to our
national security," she said.
Patil said this while speaking to the 546 `Gentleman
Cadets` who passed-out of the Indian Military Academy (IMA)
here after a glittering martial ceremony.
"The Army today must be fighting fit, and at the same
time well acquainted to deal with the challenges of the
knowledge era that we are living in," Patil said, who had
arrived in the city a day before to officiate in the event.
Patil also urged the young officers to keep their
conduct "high and impeccable" and fall back to the IMA`s motto
of keeping honour and welfare of the country first, when they
are "faced with doubts, temptations, dilemmas and
uncertainties."
"Being officers of the Indian Army requires that your
character, discipline and integrity is absolute and
unyielding. I urge you to keep your conduct and demeanour high
and impeccable, and be an example for others to emulate,"
Patil told the young officers, who stood in a parade formation
in the backdrop of the historic and iconic and `Chetwode
Hall`.
The President also asked the officers, including 17
from foreign countries and two from neighbouring Nepal, to not
only display their role of warriors but also act as agents of
peace and succor.
"Dear Cadets, as young officers of the time honoured
Indian Army, your basic role is that of a warrior and a
protector but you also have to act as a provider- provider of
succor, peace and hope to citizens in times of disaster,
calamity and distress.
"Wherever you are posted and in whatever capacity,
always remember that you are an integral pillar of this vast
edifice of our nation, and the stronger the pillar, the
stronger is the nation," she said.
The President, who is also the supreme commander of
the armed forces, said the officers should keep themselves
updated about the new technologies and scientific
developments.
"The application of science and technology in the
field of defence preparedness and warfare is essential for the
effectiveness of the armed forces. You as future leaders, must
keep yourself abreast of new and emerging technologies, new
age weapons and concepts of technology-driven warfare.
"Never ever let lack of knowledge and preparedness
stand in the way of you performing your dharma, the dharma of
a warrior," she said.
She also asked the young officers to be leaders with
great qualities.
"Always remember, a leader is one who is not only
mentally and physically tough, but one who is open to new
ideas and can be calm and composed in difficult situations.
And most importantly, one who can have the trust of those he
leads.
"I exhort you, to do what it takes to develop this
trust and confidence, and instill a deep spirit of unity of
purpose in your team. Our armed forces have had a number of
such officers, who throughout their career showed the way
through their sterling leadership," she said.
Cadets from Bhutan, Mongolia, Maldives, Mauritius,
Tajikistan and Nepal were the members of the passing-out squad
this time.
Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva, Chief Minister
Ramesh Pokhriyal `Nishank` and Army chief V K Singh were
also present during the passing-out parade.
PTI
