Date:21/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/21/stories/2008032158530200.htm

Tamil Nadu

Award for 36 OTA trainees

Special Correspondent

Army Band enthralls all

— Photo : A. Muralitharan

An army band performing at the Officers Training Academy on Thursday evening.

TAMBARAM: Major General R.K. Swamy, Commandant, Officers Training Academy (OTA), gave away prizes and medals to trainees of the Academy on Thursday, two days before they are to be inducted into the Indian Army.

A total of 36 trainees received the medals for their proficiency in various disciplines. The Passing out Parade at the OTA is held twice every year - in September and March. Prior to the parade, the trainees demonstrate their all round abilities, including a combined skill display and cultural programmes.

On Thursday evening, the trainees took part in a ‘marshal’ display. The trainees also took part in a group dance to the popular ‘Vande mataram’ song composed by A.R. Rahman. An Army Band enthralled the audience, mostly parents of the trainees.

Usually, the programmes are held at the auditorium, but on Thursday evening, the events were held at the Parade Ground.