28TH COURSE NDA: DIAMOND JUBILEE 1966 BATCH IMA

DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS (DJC) JUNE 2026 CHANDIGARH

Our IMA Course Serial 37 together with courses which passed out together on 15 June 1966 from Indian Military Academy Dehradun celebrated their Golden Jubilee at Mohali/Chandigarh 14 to 16 June 2026 at Hotel Zenith Mohali.

Details are given as follows hereunder.

*The 1966 June batch officers of the Indian Army celebrate their Diamond Jubilee*

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By Col TS Surendra (Published in Chandigarh Times)

In our country, citizens have long idolized Bollywood stars, cricketers, and charismatic leaders from every walk of life. But that narrative is gradually changing today after the Liberation of Bangladesh, the Kargil War, Armed Forces’ surgical strikes to dismantle terrorist networks across the border and, more recently, Operation Sindoor—events that made every Indian hold his or her head high with pride. Today, it is our men and women in uniform who command the Nation’s attention.

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What enables our Armed Forces to excel, especially in adversity? Along with rigorous training and exceptional discipline, it is teamwork. From a young age, officers of the three services train together, share achievements and setbacks, and draw strength from one another. As officer cadets, they form an enduring bond of camaraderie that last a lifetime and remains unbroken even by death. Batchmates, or course-mates, develop a sacred affinity that stands as a model of interpersonal loyalty. As the saying goes, a course mate comes first, family comes next.

This story is about the Indian Army officers who passed out from the illustrious Indian Military Academy on 15 June 1966 and are now gathering in Chandigarh, a city renowned for its Armed Forces heroes, to commemorate their 60-year bond—their Diamond Jubilee. It is a momentous occasion to rekindle cherished memories. This sanctified communion will also include the families of the Army veterans—those who have shared the joys and setbacks of their dear ones and have stood by them through thick and then. Their commendable sacrifice and determination are exemplary and unquantifiable.

What makes this course, comprising officers graduating from the National Defence Academy (28th course), officers from the 37th Regular and 21st Technical graduates streams, unique? It has its share of war heroes, such as Lt Gen Mohinder Puri, who while commanding the iconic 8th Mountain Division, during the Kargil War, strategized an acuminous as also decisive counter offensive to outmaneuver the enemy and make him bite the dust. The course has an Arjuna Awardee, Col Kuldeep Singh Garcha, an equestrian of international repute. The course has an innovator in Lt Col Vivek Mundkar, who built his own hang glider and popularized the sport in India. In our midst is Col Karaminder Singh Khamboj who has dedicated his life for the upliftment of mentally and physically disabled children. He feels that such children do not require sympathy alone, but opportunities in life. There are many more achievers in the course in the Industry and Academia, post-retirement.

Two other names merit mention. Col N C Gupta, after retirement, did pioneering work in telecommunications and held portfolios at Intel and on a State of Kerala project, while supporting start-ups, computer literacy, and education in STEM, robotics, AI, and drone technology, and holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Chicago. Col Manohar Ramtri, soft-spoken and known for his acumen and tireless energy, keeps a low profile yet is the live wire of every course gathering, prized for his coordination skills and meticulous planning.

Some officers of this August batch have been martyred while some others have died due to natural and other causes. One of the first events in the get together is to pay homage to those who are no longer with the course today. The first programme on the second day, 15th June, is to pay homage, at the Chandimandir War Memorial, to those officers who had laid down their lives in the service of the Country.

_“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” — GK Chesterton_

IMPORTANT LINKS TO EXPLORE

** 37 IMA DJC Schedule

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** 37 IMA DJC Attendance

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** PHOTOS CAPTURED BY CMs

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** PHOTOS TAKEN BY PHOTOGRAPHER (RUPI'S CONTRIBUTION)

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** ZOOM VIDEOS - DJ DINNER 15 JUN 2026

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28TH COURSE NDA

Saturday, 17 May 2025

DIAMOND JUBILEE 1966 BATCH IMA

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