Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, presided over the Winter Term Passing Out Parade at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Gaya. The event, held on March 7, 2026, celebrated the commissioning of 281 officer cadets who successfully completed their extensive training, marking a significant achievement in their military careers.
Among those commissioned, 253 were from the Short Service Commission (Technical) Men—64, while 28 were from the Short Service Commission (Technical) Women—35 courses. The parade symbolized the culmination of rigorous training designed to mold young aspirants into capable leaders prepared to serve the nation.
During the ceremony, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth took a moment to congratulate the newly commissioned officers, commending their dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment that allowed them to transition into their new roles. He praised their discipline and resilience, which were crucial throughout their comprehensive training process.
In his address, the Army Commander underscored the rapidly changing landscape of modern warfare. He pointed out that emerging technologies—such as Artificial Intelligence, cyber capabilities, space-based systems, and the electromagnetic spectrum—are significantly altering the future battlefield. He emphasized that contemporary conflicts increasingly center around information dominance and multi-domain operations, making military engagements more complex and nuanced.
Lt Gen Seth referenced Operation Sindoor to illustrate the Indian Army’s capability for swift and precise responses, effectively integrating multi-domain assets to maintain operational superiority. This operation exemplified the professionalism and readiness of the armed forces in addressing emerging security challenges.
Furthermore, he elaborated on the broader responsibilities of the Armed Forces in propelling India towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. He pointed out that in a dynamic global and regional security environment, the armed forces play an essential role in ensuring national stability, security, and development.
Encouraging the newest officers to brace themselves for future challenges, Lt Gen Seth urged them to be intellectually flexible, technologically adept, and operationally dynamic. He stressed that leadership within the military demands not just technical excellence but a strong moral compass.
He reminded the officers that true military leadership encompasses moral courage, confidence, compassion, firmness, and humility. As he concluded his address, he reaffirmed the enduring principles of military service: prioritizing the nation’s safety, honor, and welfare above all else.
