AFMC Parade

7 th March 2001 was a zred letter day for the 54 medical cadets of the Armed Forces Medical College. To the tunes of  Auld Sung Lyne, these newly commissioned officers marched in to a new career. 

Earlier that morning, Lt Gen NC Vij, the Southern Army Commander had  taken the salute of the passing out parade that was commanded by Lt. Col. P K Singh. 45 male cadets and 9 lady cadets took part in the parade.

The General in his address to the officers said that the Commissioning parade was, as always, a very special event. He described it as a solemn moment when the Nation reaffirms the faith it has in its youth.

He reminded the cadets that the Nation had spent a large amount of money and effort in their training and went on to add that the Doctors from the Armed Forces had always lived up to expectations. Army Doctors, he reiterated, had consistently done a commendable job of treating the sick and the wounded, whether in times of peace or war.

Later Mrs Nita Vij, the wife of the Army Commander,inaugurated the hobbies exhibition, where a  statue of Hermes, the Greek God of Health, was unveiled. The General and his wife also spent a significant amount of time admiring the sketches and water colours the cadets had put up.

Later at a glittering ceremony, General Vij gave away prizes and trophies to the passing out batch.

Flying Officer Ashutosh Arya who was awarded the trophy for the best out going cadet walked away with the maximum number of trophies and awards.

Lt V Rajsekhar, won the prize for the second best cadet  whereas Surg Sub Lt Kavita Bala Anand was the best outgoing lady officer.

Text: Rahul Surkund
Photographs: Harikrishna