Gaya, Dec. 12: Today, the boys became men.

The Indian Army got 193 new commissioned officers following a passing out parade of cadets today morning at the drill ground of the Officers' Training Academy (OTA).

Among the new commissioned officers, 66 are from special commission officer category and other 127 from the technical entry scheme category. The two categories - special commission officer and technical entry scheme - have been included in the Indian Army to meet shortage of officers.

Lt. Gen K.J. Singh, the commander of the western command of the Indian Army, was the chief guest. In recent days, around eight to 10 per cent shortage of officers has been reduced, he said.

The chief guest also presented medals to the cadets. Dhruv Kataria, Jubit Justin and Vikas Singh got gold, silver and bronze, respectively in the technical entry scheme category, while Abhinav Kumar got silver for in order or merit in the special commission officer category.

The Rezangla Company won the Chief of Army Staff banner.

Addressing the cadets, Lt. Gen. Singh said: "It is your antim pag (final step) at the academy but pratham kadam (first step) in your career."

He asked them to develop and soldier-friendly technology. "Special commission officers should always act as a bridge between officers and the soldiers. OTA, Gaya, is the youngest academy among the three in the country and it is near to Takshila, Nalanda and Bodhgaya," he said.

Chiranjivi Kumar of Naugachhiya in Bhagalpur, who has been commissioned under the SCO category, said: "My elder brother is also a sub-inspector in the CRPF."

His father Devendra Chaudhary, a farmer, said: "I feel proud that both my sons will serve their motherland."