Indian Military Academy Celebrates Multi-Generation Military Traditions with Commissioning of Lt Sartaj Singh, Lt Harmanmeet Singh Reen, and Lt Yuvraj Singh Nughaal
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun hosted a significant Passing Out Parade (POP) on Saturday, celebrating the commissioning of officers from military families with deep-rooted traditions. This event marked a continuation of service as young officers, some from fifth- and fourth-generation military backgrounds, joined the ranks.
During the parade, 525 officers completed their training and emerged from the renowned Chetwode Drill Square. Among them, three lieutenants stood out for proudly upholding their families' exceptional military legacies, which extend over a century of service to the nation.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the parade, which marked the conclusion of training for officers from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme (TES), 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th SCO Course, and TA OTEE-2023, along with 34 officers from 14 Friendly Foreign Countries.
Lt Sartaj Singh: Five Generations of Service Since 1897
Commissioned into the 20 Jat Regiment, Lieutenant Sartaj Singh continues a unique fifth-generation military heritage, following in the footsteps of his father, Brigadier Upinder Pal Singh. The family's military journey traces back to 1897.
Their legacy began with Sepoy Kirpal Singh of 36 Sikh, who participated in the Afghan Campaign. It further expanded with:
| Subedar Ajmer Singh (2 Field Regiment) – WWII veteran of the Battle of Bir Hakeim and recipient of the Order of British India |
| Brigadier Harwant Singh – Veteran of the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars |
| Colonel Harvinder Pal Singh – Served in Siachen during the 1999 Kargil War |
On his maternal side, the family's military tradition continued with service in World War I, World War II, and the 1971 War, exemplifying an extraordinary contribution to the Indian Army.
IMA highlighted Lt Sartaj’s commissioning as "the moment when legacy becomes responsibility."
Lt Harmanmeet Singh Reen: Four Generations of Olive Green
Lieutenant Harmanmeet Singh Reen, joining the Maratha Light Infantry, is part of a four-generation military tradition.
| His great-grandfather served in the Sikh Regiment |
| His grandfather joined the Signals |
| Two grand-uncles participated in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, with Captain Ujagar Singh receiving the Sena Medal for Gallantry |
| His father, Colonel Harmeet Singh, is currently serving in the Indian Army |
Harmanmeet, an exemplary cadet, earned a Silver Medal at MCTE and received the Bayonet Pin and Six Star Torch for his notable achievements in academics and sports.
A visit to IMA during childhood and an interaction with former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who foresaw his future as a soldier, inspired his journey.
Lt Yuvraj Singh Nughaal: Fourth-Generation Warrior
Lieutenant Yuvraj Singh Nughaal represents the fourth consecutive generation of military service in his family.
| His great-grandfather served in 7 Jat (pre-Independence) |
| His grandfather served in 16 Grenadiers |
| His father was commissioned into 7 Mechanised Infantry |
According to IMA, his commissioning marked "not an end, but the renewal of a sacred tradition of honour, sacrifice and duty."
IMA: Where Legacy Meets Leadership
The commissioning of these officers underscores the Indian Military Academy's pivotal role in nurturing leadership, discipline, and values that endure through generations.
These stories serve as a testament that while uniforms can be inherited, honour is earned through dedication, bravery, and service to the nation.
