The batch also included 20 Afghan cadets who are slated to join the Afghan National Army. This was the largest ever batch of officers passing out of the OTA
The Passing Out Parade (PoP) was reviewed by Southern Army Commander Lt General A K Singh who exhorted the young officers to give their best to the nation.
"On joining the Army, you virtually sign an unlimited liability contract to serve the nation, through thick and thin, and do as the organisation ordains. But in return the nation and the organisation also assure you of a lifelong bond of looking after you and yours," he said.
Lt Gen Singh called it a unique relationship based on trust and commitment. The Army Commander said that "as military leaders you will deal with not issues of profit and loss but issues of life and death."
Commandant of the Academy Lt Gen S S Jog during an interaction with the media informed them on the grueling training which the cadets have to go through.
"There is a long and grueling training which precedes this festivity, encompassing physical training, educational competencies, weapon training, drill and social etiquette in addition to conditioning in the skills and the attitudes needed for military success in a short span of 49 weeks," he said.
OTA Chennai will be celebrating its fiftieth year in 2013.
"When we celebrate our golden jubilee, next year, OTA Chennai shall have moved way closer to a truly world class academy in terms of latest training facilities and infrastructure," he said.