President Pranab Mukherjee has said, the current century is witnessing chaos and strife of a very virulent nature comprising asymmetric warfare, with the involvement of both state and non-state actors. Addressing the young Lieutenants of Indian Army who got inducted in a Passing Out Parade in the premier and sprawling Officers Training Academy in Chennai, he said, the Defence Forces represent the last resort in any adverse situation.<br/> <br/>Mr Mukherjee reminded the young officers that that the acme of a great and powerful army does not lie in the power it can unleash but the manner and dexterity with which it does so, and called for being capable and responsive to ensure stability and peace. He observed that the challenges nowadays go beyond conventional borders and threats. The President said, India requires young men and women to take up the challenge of navigation through troubled waters and work tirelessly and selflessly even at the peril of their lives in the service of country. He said, ensuring energy security and protection of maritime sea lanes include the key areas in the new defence security environment. <br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee acknowledged that the country has reposed faith in armed forces in times of internal crisis situations, both man-made and natural. Though India is vastly diverse in nature, it remains one under a single flag and constitution, he said.<br/><br/>In the Passing Out Parade in the Officers Training Academy, 249 officers were inducted into the Army as the Lieutenants in presence of President Mukherjee. In addition, 20 foreign officer cadets also graduated today in the event. Of the total officer cadets, 32 are ladies including a foreign cadet. After the impressive Passing Out Parade, the proud parents of the graduating officers piped the badges on the shoulders of their wards to mark formally their induction into the Army.<br/><br/>The cadets also took pledge before the national flag in presence of the President of India their allegiance to the flag and constitution of the country and to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

President Pranab Mukherjee has said, the current century is witnessing chaos and strife of a very virulent nature comprising asymmetric warfare, with the involvement of both state and non-state actors. Addressing the young Lieutenants of Indian Army who got inducted in a Passing Out Parade in the premier and sprawling Officers Training Academy in Chennai, he said, the Defence Forces represent the last resort in any adverse situation.<br/> <br/>Mr Mukherjee reminded the young officers that that the acme of a great and powerful army does not lie in the power it can unleash but the manner and dexterity with which it does so, and called for being capable and responsive to ensure stability and peace. He observed that the challenges nowadays go beyond conventional borders and threats. The President said, India requires young men and women to take up the challenge of navigation through troubled waters and work tirelessly and selflessly even at the peril of their lives in the service of country. He said, ensuring energy security and protection of maritime sea lanes include the key areas in the new defence security environment. <br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee acknowledged that the country has reposed faith in armed forces in times of internal crisis situations, both man-made and natural. Though India is vastly diverse in nature, it remains one under a single flag and constitution, he said.<br/><br/>In the Passing Out Parade in the Officers Training Academy, 249 officers were inducted into the Army as the Lieutenants in presence of President Mukherjee. In addition, 20 foreign officer cadets also graduated today in the event. Of the total officer cadets, 32 are ladies including a foreign cadet. After the impressive Passing Out Parade, the proud parents of the graduating officers piped the badges on the shoulders of their wards to mark formally their induction into the Army.<br/><br/>The cadets also took pledge before the national flag in presence of the President of India their allegiance to the flag and constitution of the country and to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.