The trailblazers of the SS Courses marked 60 years since commissioning. As Phase 2 of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the course mates organised a two-day programme in New Delhi on the anniversary dates of 24 and 25 April 2026.

Highlights of the event included the following:

• A coffee table book was formally released by Gen N. C. Vij, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM (21st Chief of the Army Staff), at the Manekshaw Centre.
• Fifteen course mates laid wreaths at the National War Memorial to pay homage to departed colleagues.
• Eighty-three course mates, accompanied by their spouses, attended a programme at the Akash Air Force Mess, featuring music and an opportunity to reconnect and reminisce.
• A mock drill was conducted as part of the programme.
• Five spouses of departed course mates travelled to New Delhi to represent their late husbands. Course mates also travelled from the United States, Canada, and across India to participate in the reunion.

The Officers Training Academy (OTA) and the OTA Alumni Association (OTAAA) were represented on both days by the Secretary, OTAAA.

The course extended its appreciation the Commandant, OTA, for contributing the foreword to the coffee table book and for graciously sending OTA caps for all course mates in attendance. Gratitude is also conveyed to the OTA leadership and the junior courses for their warm greetings and good wishes on this milestone occasion.

The course now looks forward to the concluding phase of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, including a visit to the Alma Mater in September 2026.

Some pictures of the events :

The Officers Training Academy, Chennai, witnessed the Silver Jubilee celebrations of SS-71, WSES-17 and SS(T)-14 courses from 20 to 22 March 2026. The occasion marked the completion of 25 glorious years of commissioned service, bringing together officers, veterans, spouses and families in a spirit of camaraderie, nostalgia and pride.

The celebrations commenced on 20 March 2026 with the arrival of course officers and their families at Chennai, followed by an elegant Gala Evening at the OTA Environment Park and Training Area. The evening provided an ideal setting for old course mates to reconnect, relive cherished memories of their formative days at the Academy, and renew bonds forged in uniform.

The highlight of the reunion was 21 March 2026, which began with the officers assembling at the Temple of Remembrance (TOR). A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was conducted to pay homage to the brave comrades who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation. The ceremony was marked by deep reverence and emotional remembrance, reflecting the enduring ethos of duty, honour and sacrifice.

Thereafter, the officers attended the OTA Movie screening at Chanakya Auditorium, followed by a nostalgic and memorable Darshan of the Academy. The visit included key landmarks of OTA such as Parameswaran Drill Square, Acharya Training Areas, OTA Café and the OTA Museum, allowing the veterans to revisit the very spaces where their military journey began.

In the evening, the celebrations culminated in the Silver Jubilee Dinner at Yodha Cadet’s Mess, where the SS-71, WSES-17 and SS(T)-14 courses joined in fellowship with SS-21. The formal dinner, attended by officers, spouses and next of kin, was a befitting tribute to twenty-five years of distinguished service, shared experiences and enduring brotherhood.

The event concluded on 22 March 2026 with a farewell breakfast and check-out, leaving all attendees with cherished memories and a renewed sense of belonging to the proud fraternity of the Officers Training Academy.

The Silver Jubilee celebrations stood as a fitting testament to the values of courage, camaraderie, service and lifelong bonds, which continue to define the spirit of OTA and its alumni.

Jai Hind.

SSNT-1 Course kickstarted their Diamond Jubilee year, commemorating commissioning from OTS Madras(now OTA, Chennai) on 24 Apr 1966. The first event in the series was a cruise from Goa to Lakshadweep to Mumbai. 25 members gathered in Goa on 16^th Mar 2026, visited Big Foot Museum, Mandovi river cruise, Glowing Forest, Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Birla Mandir, and beaches. The Cordelia Shipping Company Empress cruise started on 18 Mar, with three days on board including Agati Island, filled with activities and entertaining performances every evening and arriving in Mumbai on the third day. The next event is planned on the commissioning anniversary on April 24.

Some pictures and videos from the course are shared below

https://www.uniindia.com/first-batch-of-350-srmist-students-graduate-with-diploma-in-it-cyber-security-from-the-ota/south/news/3761574.html

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/350-cadets-pass-out-with-diploma-in-it-and-cyber-security-jointly-curated-by-srmist-and-ota/article70699909.ece

We are pleased to announce the launch of CREATIVE MIST, a magazine produced by the Cadets of OTA Chennai's creative writing club. This publication will be released twice each term, providing a concise and insightful overview of Academy activities during the period.

Feedback and comments regarding the magazine are encouraged and may be submitted to the Secretary OTAAA via the official email address. All correspondence will be forwarded to the Academy for consideration.

On 18/10/2025, Lt Gen Michael AJ Fernandez, AVSM, VSM, Commandant, Officers Training Academy, Chennai extended a special invitation to the outgoing Executive Committee (EC) members of the OTA Alumni Association (OTAAA), Brig APS Pakianathan,VSM** (SS 22) and Maj Madhan Kumar (SS 77), for a high tea at Rezengla, OTA. This gesture was in recognition of their dedicated and honorary service rendered to the OTA Alumni Association.

During the event, Brig A, the Vice President of OTAAA, addressed the gathering. He highlighted the significant efforts made by Brig Pakianathan in ensuring the continued operation of the OTAAA website, especially persevering through challenges such as the website being hacked on at least two occasions. He also recounted how Brig Pakianathan effectively coordinated with Brig Sampath,the outgoing Secretary helping to build this unique organisation from the ground up. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Maj Madhan Kumar, who was present at the ceremony but had to leave early due to a prior commitment.

In his address, the Commandant lavished praise on both Brig Pakianathan and Brig K Sampath, referring to them as pillars of the OTAAA. He stressed the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the Alma Mater, underscoring their contributions to fostering this bond for over a period of 12 plus years.

The Commandant had earlier visited the outgoing Secretary, Brig K Sampath at his residence since he was unable attend the event due to his health condition and thanked him on behalf of the alumni.

The high tea was attended by all OTA Alumni currently posted at OTA, along with the Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and the present Executive Committee members, making it a fitting tribute to the outgoing office bearers.

On 18th October, we commemorate the martyrdom of Captain Sudhakar Madhavan of 65 AR, who lost his life at Urampurai, Jaffna during Operation Pawan in 1987 as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF).

On this solemn occasion, Mrs. Shobha Sudhakar, Veer Naari, along with her brothers and family, laid a wreath at the Hut of Remembrance at OTA Chennai in honour of Captain Madhavan. She has continued this tradition since October 1988, accompanied by their son Abhishek, who was then three years old. Colonel Devanathan, Captain Madhavan's SS 25 coursemate, and his spouse were also present.

We extend our sincere appreciation to OTA, especially the Adjutant, Major Nishant Sharma, and Assistant Adjutant, Major Subham Rath, for personally conducting the ceremony with due dignity. The Secretary of OTAAA was also in attendance.

Lt Gen Michael AJ Fernandez AVSM VSM, Commandant, Officers Training Academy, Chennai later invited Mrs Shobha Sudhakar and Col Devanathan for a cup of tea at his office and honoured the Veer Naari.

OTA Chennai has been awarded the second prize in the prestigious Clean, Green and Sustainable major Category A establishments of the Indian Army .

The award was presented this afternoon by the Chief of Army Staff and was received by The Commandant and Sub Maj  of the Academy during the ongoing Army Commanders’ conference at New Delhi.

1. Fifty years ago, on 24 Aug 1975, 123 officers answered the call of duty and marched out of the hallowed grounds of OTA Chennai, commissioned not just as officers, but as part of a proud legacy.

2. Having served for varying terms / length of service, the veterans, their spouses, a few children and some grandchildren assembled at Chennai on 12 September 2025 for celebrating the Golden Jubilee of their commissioning, a tribute to enduring camaraderie, unwavering service, and the spirit of soldiering that the passage of time would never dim.

3. The nostalgic reunion hosted by OTA Chennai, reliving memories of the days at the Academy, paying tribute to fallen brothers, enjoying light banter at every event and strengthening life-long bonds with comrades in new areas was the highlight of the 2-day atmosphere.

4. Witnessing the OTA Museum, attending the Annual General Meeting of the OTA Alumni Association and an insight into the present-day training and administrative infrastructure developed over the years, so also the future plans by the Commandant OTA brought smiles and joy amongst all present. Actually, a formal moment for everyone the dinner at Yodha Mess was much appreciated by all the attendees as it gave us an opportunity to interact with younger officers who were celebrating their silver jubilee.

5. Next day activities commenced with a tribute at the Temple of Remembrance by Lt Gen Rakesh C Chadha, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd) in the presence of all veterans, spouses, NOK of fallen veterans and serving officers at OTA Chennai.

6. Going around OTA, practising drills at the parade ground, visiting the museum and other training facilities resulted in a lasting impact on minds of all attendees with pride. The event provided an opportunity to share experiences, lessons of leadership and the vast growth and observable positive developments with the younger generations. The importance of such gatherings was felt by one and all!

7.   The festivities continued with lunch at the Golf Course and Dinner at Infantry Battalion. The celebrations showcased the unwavering spirit and commitment of Indian Army, a testament to the friendship & deep-rooted customs & traditions. We the "Friends Forever" stand united, with further strengthened bonds of friendship.    JAI HIND.