The Army Chief Inagurates Officers Training Academy at Gaya

   A newly raised Officers Training Academy (OTA) at Gaya was formally inaugurated by Army Chief General VK Singh with traditional military grandeur on today. A host of senior military officers and guests were present on the occasion. Ordained to train and nurture selected youth of the nation into commissioned officers for the Indian Army, OTA Gaya is the third of its kind and the youngest such institution in the country. Having commenced training earlier this year on 18 July 2011 with a flag hoisting ceremony carried out by Lt Gen K Surendra Nath, GOC-in-C, Army Training Command.

   Welcoming the Chief, Lt Gen Vijai Sharma, the Commandant highlighted the fact that in a short time span of four months, the Academy is fully functional in all aspects and is imparting holistic and quality training to the first batch comprising 149 Gentleman Cadets, better known as GCs in the Academy.

   The plan for construction of modern and state of the art infrastructure and world class training facilities in the Academy has already been approved and on completion the Academy will be comparable with the best in the world.

   Expressing his happiness on opening of the new Officers Training Academy at Gaya, Gen VK Singh congratulated the pioneer batch of the Gentleman Cadets. He urged them to put in their best to absorb the professional skills imparted to them at the Academy. Emphasising on the importance of leadership, the Army Chief advised the GCs that to be successful leaders they should learn to lead by personal example and display physical courage and high moral. He exhorted the GCs to imbibe and follow the Academy motto -“SHAURYA, GYAN and SANKALP” - in letter and spirit.

   Appreciating the efforts of all involved in establishing the Academy, he called upon the faculty and staff to shape the Gentleman Cadets into capable leaders and responsible citizens of the country. The first batch of trainees has a strength of 149 Gentleman Cadets and will gradually be increased to its full capacity of 750 Gentleman Cadets.