The words “Antim Pag,” which means “Final Step,” are written on the exit of the parade ground where the passing out parade (POP) of various academies takes place. i.e Officer’s Training Academy Chennai (OTA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), National Defence Academy (NDA), Air force Academy (AFA), and Indian Naval Academy (INA).
As the Parade draws to a close, each Cadet marches slowly off of the Parade Ground, towards the Exit. As he/she transitions from a Cadet to an Officer, the ‘Last Step’ is highly demanding. It’s the ‘Step’ for which each Cadet has toiled and sweated. The sensation is indescribable.
Antim Pag
Antim Pag, the last step
When a gentleman cadet & Lady Cadets end up his/her training in their respective academies. It officially marks the journey of gentlemen & lady cadets as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces, and it is their Pratham Pag or First Step to be a Warrior. The cadets’ ceremonial last step, known as ANTIM PAG or the “Last Step,” occurs on the last day of the academy where they undergo tough training and officer-making through a shared personality.
The Gentlemen and Lady Cadets who graduated from the Indian Military Institutions must cross the ANTIM PAG. In fact, the cadets do not become officers in Indian Armed Forces until the cadets ceremoniously cross the granite slab.
The cadets perform Marching Parade on the beats of the band and achieve the fruits of their Patience, Handwork & Dedication. It is mounted on a granite slab and passed over by the Gentlemen and Lady Cadets during the renowned Passing Out Parade at Indian Military Institutions (POP).
Pehla Kadam
Pehla kadam ‘first step’
As the name implies, PEHLA KADAM is the first step toward a new and exciting life as an Army Officer in the Indian Army. Our former COAS General M.M Naravane was formally replaced by ANTIM PAG. Our current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has launched this new programme, which was evident at the most recent OTA passing out parade (POP).
As COAS addressed by his speech, this “PEHLA KADAM” shows that the journey is not over, but it has started for the young officer and this first step will give him the confidence to deal with the forthcoming challenges.
Prior to 2021, there was an ‘ANTIM PAG,’ or final step, after the parade, which signified the end of their training.
As COAS addressed in his speech, this “PEHLA KADAM” shows that the journey is not over, but it has started for the young officer and this first step will give him the confidence to deal with the forthcoming challenges.
After the training, crossing PEHLA KADAM or the First step symbolizes the journey of an officer’s life in which they will have to face new challenges and will have new experiences to serve the country.
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Also Read:
- What Is Sword Of Honour And How To Earn It?
- What Is The ‘ANTIM PAG’?
- What Is Pehla Kadam In The Indian Army?
