THE GOLDEN MILESTONE
Roshni | Academy Song
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The OTA song ‘Roshni’ was composed by the combined efforts of Sub SP Gautam, GCs and Officers in 1987, under the then Commandant Maj Gen N Vishwanathan . Left: Cadets marching past The Martyrs’ Memorial
The Presidential Colours Presented on 18th of August 1990 by Shri R Venkataraman, the then President of India
From Shri AK Antony Hon’ble Raksha Mantri
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It is a pleasure to learn that Officers’ Training
Since its inception, Officers’ Training Academy
I wish the Faculty and Staff all success in their
Academy Chennai, is organising its Golden
Chennai, has played a vital role in shaping the
endeavours in the future too. I am sure that
Jubilee Celebrations. I convey my heartiest
future leaders of our Army. In keeping with
the Academy will continue to do our Armed
congratulations and best wishes to all the
the finest traditions of our Army, the Alumni
Forces and the Nation proud in the years to
officers and personnel of the Officers’ Training
of the Academy have excelled in various fields
come.
Academy Chennai, for the Golden Jubilee
and led their men with dedication, fortitude
celebrations.
and by setting a personal example. Many have made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of our Nation.
From The Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC It is with great sense of pride and satisfaction,
True to its motto-“Serve with Honour�- leadership and I am sanguine the Academy will continue to serve
that I convey my good wishes and warm greeting character development remain the core objectives of to all the members of Officers Training Academy, this premier institution. Over the last five decades, Chennai on the auspicious occasion of its Golden
the Academy has grown from strength to strength
Jubilee Celebrations.
and has continued to provide officers of great quality, leadership and character.
the country with distinction.
From The GOC-IN-C, ARTRAC Lt Gen K Surendra Nath PVSM, AVSM, VSM On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebra-
I take this opportunity to place on record the
tions of the Officers’ Training Academy Chennai,
outstanding contribution of the Commandants,
I extend my good wishes to all ranks and
faculty and staff - past and present, and salute
families.
their vision, dedication and commitment in making Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai
Over the past 50 years the Academy has grown
one of the premier Training Institutions of our
from strength to strength and has earned the
Army.
reputation of being a world class Pre commission training institution. The Alumni of the Academy have served the nation with great distinction and have brought honour and glory to their Alma Mater.
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The Seat of Authority The White House has been the headquarters of the OTA since 1962.
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Left and Above: The Old Theatre
The Tea Room at the Old Lecture Halls
A nightscape of the Centurion Tank standing proud by the erstwhile Science Block
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The Old Amphitheatre
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An Old Squad Post
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The Old Obstacle Training Area
Left:The sunbathed walls of the Tagore Art Gallery and the Museum Right: The living barracks of yore (erstwhile Kohima Company)
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Left : The endless corridors of learning - The Old Lecture Halls now being converted to OTA Shopping Complex. Right : The Chanakya Auditorium
The former Cadets’ Mess now hosts The Gym named after Lt N Parthiban KC (P)
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The Swimming Pool
A PAN O R A M IC V IEW O F T H E R E C E N T ST R UC T U R E S F R O M T H E ‘P ’ H I L L The 760 acres of real estate, next to the Anna International Airport, dotted with firing ranges, simulators for modern warfare techniques, stables, PT grounds, play grounds and several other indoor and outdoor facilities, testifies to the physically and mentally challenging curriculum of the OTA. Apart from a few grand Victorian structures inherited from the Madras Presidency, the OTA remained in temporary accommodation for close to four decades. In 1999, a decision was taken to locate the Academy permanently in Chennai and to finalise its key location plan with an enhanced capacity of 750 cadets as against the existing 500. This decision presaged the construction of modern facilities and world class architectural structures, which are fast changing the landscape of the Academy.
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The P Hill Originally called the Parangi Malai. (Punishment Hill for Cadets and Pleasure Hill for others)
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The Academic Department and the Central Library have been shifted to an imposing and centrally air conditioned complex and christened as The Gaur Academic Block and Radhakrishnan Library. The lecture halls of the Gaur Academic Block have been equipped with state of the art interactive boards and multimedia facilities.
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A nightscape of the New Tennis Courts
The New Quarter Guard
Facing the Drill Square, where the Old Naushera Barracks existed.
A Company building by the River Adyar
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The OTA Environmental Park Originally the Athletics Stadium, which subsequently was used for Polo, now a recreational park cum golf course.
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The “New White House” nearing completion
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The Flag Staff House Constructed in 1928 as the residence of the Garrison Commander of the Madras Presidency Army. Since the inception of the Officers Training Academy in 1962, the building has been the residence of the Commandant of the Academy.
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The indispensables who help us “Serve With Honour� The splendour and the grandeur of the Academy depends on the supporting staff.
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New Cadets arrive at the Chennai Central railway station
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Measuring up for the “Olive Greens”
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Beginning a life of regular haircuts, pressed uniforms, polished boots...
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A Cadet’s Evening Preparing for the morrow...
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“The Drill Instructor is the cadets’ first window to military life...A ruthless, tough acting Drill Sergeant (Ustad)... but you know the guy has a heart. And you know deep down how much he cares. His job is to mould a bunch of total novices into army shape. Along the way he’s hilarious but strict and comical in the way he disciplines his charge” Adapted from Seven Amazing Drill Sergeants in Movies - unrealitymag.com
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The Women Entry Scheme In 1992 OTA commenced the training of women for induction into the Officer cadre of arms and services other than the AMC and the MNS. Above: Lt Divya Ajith became the first woman to be conferred with the OTA ‘Sword of Honour’ on 18 September 2010.
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Drill in PT rig...Yet a while to sport the Olive Greens
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The Drill Square Test
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Physical Training (PT)
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Every so often, conversations are hushed by the sound of an aircraft and all eyes look skywards...The Anna International Airport shares its boundary with the OTA.
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“You only ever grow as a human being if you’re outside your comfort zone.” - Percy Cerutty
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Weapon Training The Making of a Marksman
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The Old Short Range now snuggled among the foliage at the foot of the P Hill
“Fauri Elaj� A demonstration to rectify faults in a 9mm Carbine
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Night Firing
The Battle Proficiency and Efficiency Test (BPET) Tally Ho! Flagging off for the 5 km run
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The Vertical Rope No Queue! The shot gun concept - 72 at a time.
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Left: The Monkey Crawl along the horizontal rope. Right: Who Sweats, Wins.
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Lighter moments with the DS after the rigorous BPET.
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Riding Elegance
The Bicycle Jamboree
The journey of a military leader begins on a bicycle.
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The Bridge across The River Adyar - Gateway to the New Training Area
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Inter Company March and Shoot Competition
The companies compete with each other by getting past the obstacles in order to get near to the ‘enemy’ and eventually destroy it as quickly as possible.
Camaraderie in Action Lending shoulders to overcome an obstacle
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Brothers in arms and warriors, Tenacious day and night, Miraculous and glorious, Both valiant inside. Two sets of eyes, two sets of ears... Two hearts that beat as one... Their loyalty outlasts the years. Adapted from “Brother in Arms� - Denis Martindale
Lecture Demonstration (LDM)
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The Gaur Academic Block Named after Lt Col HS Gaur of Bihar Regiment, an alumnus who was awarded Ashoka Chakra (P)
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A class in progress at the Gaur Academic Block Classroom pedagogy in areas such as Military History, Current Affairs, International Relations, Communication Skills, Science and Warfare, and Computer Skills supplements the predominantly experiential curriculum in Tactics, Weapon Training and the psycho-social dynamics of character based leadership. Apart from the President’s Commission to lead the world’s third largest army , each of the newly commissioned lieutenants are awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Defence and Strategic Studies by the University of Madras. FGC (now Lt) Mahlatsi TM, commissioned into The Lesotho Army recalls, “...In all fairness, I would not ask for a better opportunity than this to boost my confidence in speaking the Queen’s language... I have no doubt in my mind that this will be of great help in the long run”.
One of the reading rooms at the Radhakrishnan Library
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The evening buzz at the New Training Area
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An alumnus, Romeo James represented India at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
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The Inter Company Competitions Featuring Basketball, Boxing and Cross Country
The OTA offers facilities for cultivating soft skills and pursuing hobbies like riding, para sailing, boating, archery, shooting, photography, arts, creative writing, dance and music.
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The Stone Quarry Lake The stone quarry at the southern tip of P Hill, has developed into a perennial lake and is used for leisure and watermanship training.
Cycle Expedition to Mahabalipuram (2012) En route to take up the mass cleaning of the beach near the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
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The Chanakya
The Chanakya Auditorium continues to host addresses, guest lectures, movies, debates and the Variety Entertainment Programme. Right: The Commandant addressing the Cadets
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Lt Col (Hony) MS Dhoni during a guest lecture at the Chanakya
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The Battle Inoculation The battle inoculation simulates a battlefield environment. The cadet is required to pass through a number of obstacles, with live rounds flying overhead and explosions nearby, just like “what you would expect when you are in a battle�.
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Realistic Combat Training The Battle Inoculation approximates the realities of the risks and precautions of actual battle. Role Players are outfitted with weapons, equipment, first aid and evacuation backups.
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Illumination Rounds
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Right: The Hanumanthapuram Firing Range on Chennai’s fringes at Singaperumal Koil near Chengalpattu resembling a battle zone. Left: Skydiving at the site by the members of the Parachute Brigade and the Aakash Ganga of the Indian Air Force.
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Negotiating a minefield
Supporting fire
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Unambiguous instructions and rigorous monitoring hold the key to success.
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The Razor’s Edge
Crawling under the barbed wire with bullets zipping overhead. Negotiaing the last 200 meters during the battle inoculation.
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“Out of a close shave”
“Band Of Brothers�
Sharing the thick and thin of battle training leads to a fun, safe, and secure mindset which absorbs the impact of military lifestyle stressors through military career and beyond...
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“Cry and you cry alone, snore and the whole world snores with you.”
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Camps and Exercises
Training at the OTA is interspersed by a series of battle exercises in a variety of terrains that simulate the battlefield environment and enable the cadets to hone the skills they need to lead in combat.
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Digging into the ground for protection from enemy artillery and small arms fire is an age old practice.
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“Cosmetics of the martial brand�
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A Company Commander overseeing his charge.
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A quick bite at the campsite
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A Platoon in Defence
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The Nocturnal Watch
Traditionally, night time is the friend of the soldier.
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Readjustments, reinforcements during the conduct of a defensive battle.
“Martial grace glides on blistered feet...� Runbacks - a way of life at the OTA
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Kit inspection after a run back
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Visitors From Left: Governor of Chattisgarh, Shekhar Dutt, SM an alumnus who later joined the IAS HRH Prince Andrew, the current Duke of York Gen VK Singh PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC
(Retd) Former Chief of Army Staff
Gentlemen Cadets of the Royal Military College, Duntroon
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Run up to the Passing out Parade
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Right : In sunshine and in rain Left : The Clarion call
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Marshalling the next generation...
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The Commandant’s Parade
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“A buddy pair!”
Time to Celebrate
“Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife! To all the sensual world proclaim, One crowded hour of glorious life Is worth an age without a name.�-Sir Walter Scott
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The “Pillars” of the Officers’ Mess Mess staff attired for the ceremonials
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The Cadets of the passing out course at the Officers’ Mess
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Glimpses of The Main Hall
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The Adyar Officers’ Mess Interior Its hard to miss the typically Victorian building, amidst the age old trees on the GST Road. The building was erected by the Govt of Madras in 1815 and was used as the Officers Mess of the Madras Artillery affiliated to the Madras Presidency garrison. The building was handed over to the OTA In 1962. The architecture is typically Victorian with massive vertical columns for the façade and beautiful arches bordered with intricate designs in the three main halls inside.
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The Yoddha Cadets’ Mess
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Parents being hosted for the POP Dinner at the Yodha Cadets’ Mess
The grandeur of the Yoddha Cadets’ Mess
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The Dinner Night
A covenant of sorts for the Young Officers as they transition into the officer cadre.
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‘The Combined Display’
Showcasing horse riding, tent pegging, traditional art and folk, martial arts and dog show a day prior to the POP.
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The Passing Out Parade Featuring the parade on 15 September 2012 Left: The Adjutant Maj Naveen D Prabhu atop his charger
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The Reviewing Officer at the Passing out Parade on 15 September 2012 Lt Gen AK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC General Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Command
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Our Comrades for Ever... Maj R Parameshwaran Maj Jas Ram Singh Capt Jasbir Singh Raina Brig CA Pithawala Lt Col HS Gaur Col Jojan Thomas Maj D Sreeram Lt Navdeep Singh Brig KS Chandpuri Lt SS Samra Lt Col PS Ganapathy Maj KG Chatterjee Lt Rajeev Sandhu Maj Padmapani Acharya Lt Balwan Singh Maj Sonam Wangchuk Lt KC Nongrum Capt Pratap Singh
MAHAR RAJPUT GUARDS JAK RIF BIHAR JAT ARTY AOC PUNJAB GUARDS MAHAR 11 GR ASSAM RAJ RIF GRENADIERS LADAKH SCOUTS JAK LI ARTY
PVC (P) AC AC AC AC (P) AC (P) AC AC (P) MVC MVC (P) MVC MVC MVC (P) MVC (P) MVC MVC MVC (P) MVC (P)
Kirti Chakra Vir Chakra Shaurya Chakra Sena Medal
18 60 101 491
As on 15 th September 2012
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The tribune’s tongue and poet’s pen May sow the seed in prostrate men For it is the soldier’s sword alone Can reap the crop so bravely sown No more I’ll sing no more I’ll pine But train my soul to lead a line A soldier’s life is the life for me… From ‘A Soldier’s Life’ Originally composed by Thomas Davis
The Local Guardians
Lt Gen Suneel Sadanand Jog, SM, VSM, Commandant, OTA Chennai Mrs Sanjana Jog
Endnote It goes without saying that when an institution reaches a landmark milestone, it is a cause for celebration, reflection and commemoration. The Golden Milestone is an attempt to honour the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, which transforms youngsters into leaders of men dedicated to the highest values of mankind. What better way to commemorate this evolution, other than a graphic compendium that celebrates the institution and the spirit which strikes an intense personal chord in the newest entrant to the OTA Chennai as much as the oldest alumnus of the OTS Madras? We live in the times of information overflow. There is a surfeit of material related to every institution in the public domain. And OTA Chennai is no exception. A click of the mouse returns hundreds of accounts about its history and past successes. We frequently see wellintentioned accounts fall flat and failing to capture the reader’s interest, because they end up reproducing the material that is abundantly present elsewhere. The idea behind publishing The Golden Milestone is to make a memorable institutional statement by highlighting its specific spirit and culture, the zeal and the passion and the interpersonal strength which binds generations together.
The Golden Milestone defies the conventions of morphology and content of a ‘book’. It is intended to be an album of sorts, a compilation of the slices which strike instant identification among the 24000+ alumni. The book has a contemporary theme which is intended to provide an intimate look at the outcomes of dedicated training and teamwork, that underscores the transformation of a young civilian to a military commander. I trust this would qualify its photo to text ratio and the absence of detailed history. It shall be a remiss if I fail to mention my trust and confidence in the team which was assigned to compile and package the hardback you now hold in your hands - Maj RK Chaudhary and Shubhojit Chatterjee. We have seen the production and the editorial team spending quite a few early mornings and late nights, shooting, processing, editing and proof reading, as demanded by the span and the scale of such a complex endeavour. However, the final word has to come from you. We eagerly await the comments of the alumni and other readers about the merits of The Golden Milestone.
(SS Jog, SM, VSM) Lt Gen Commandant
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Editor Maj Ranjan Kumar Chaudhary Chief of Production (Photography & Design) Shubhojit Chatterjee Photographers Sidharth Nair | Himanshu Tomar Editorial Assistance Amrita Singh Training Team Col AK Mishra, SM Lt Col VK Mishra Maj AK Singh Academics Department Col V Ravindra Kumar Lt Col PK Thakur Maj Shyam Krishna TP | Maj Amarjeet Singh Maj Leena Bajaj Weapon Training Team Lt Col Amiya Tripathi and the Weapon Training Team Adjutant’s Branch Lt Col VS Rajput| Maj Naveen D Prabhu Special Thanks R Sivasailam IAS (Retd) | Capt Ravi (Retd) | Brig VS Saini | Brig Arul Dennis, VSM Col Shekhar Gupta | Col Puneet Srivastava | Maj Mohit Singh, SM Maj Syed Ashrat Ali | Maj Ashish Mamgain Photographic Equipment used Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 85mm F1.2 L USM | Canon 17 - 40 F4 L USM Lens | Canon 50mm 1.8 Mamiya RZ67 Pro II | 110mm F2.8 Lens