For the first time ever in the history of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the Combined Commanders Conference for the year 2017 was conducted in IMA on 20-21 January. It was the first time that an event of such status and proportion was held at this venue.
The Combined Commanders Conference is a conference of the top political and military leadership responsible for the nation’s security and well-being. The Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Minister of State for Defence, National Security Advisor, other civil dignitaries and the three service Chiefs along with 19 Commanders-in-Chief were present for the event, which showcased the Army, both to the Air Force and Navy in a Tri-Services environment, as well as to the top leadership of the country. The Academy was given only 25 days to organize the event, but the task was accomplished with nmissionary zeal, utmost precision and elan.
The events and venues for the visiting delegation were carefully chosen and arrangements made for reception and stay of 120 dignitaries. The first event was a visit to the IMA War Memorial, where tributes were paid to martyred Indian Army’s IMA alumni officers and where the Prime Minister and other dignitaries laid wreaths. The arrangements for the Conference in the Vikram Batra Mess were of a very high order. The Tri Services Guard tutored by the Drill Section of IMA was of an exceptional order in the backdrop of the magnificent Chetwode building.
The Conference was conducted at IMA simultaneously without any disruption of the ongoing training schedule of the Gentleman Cadets. The Chiefs of all three Services and the Commanders-in-Chief appreciated the efforts that went in to make the event a flawless success.
Whosever idea it was to break the tradition of holding this Conference for the first time ever outside the Service Headquarters and that too IMA, it was a good one. IMA being chosen as the venue was befitting its reputation as a world class organization. And that reputation only got reinforced by it being visited by a high powered delegation, particularly the top political leadership and the Navy and Air Force Cs-in-C and officers, all of who were indeed impressed and expressed their appreciation.
