On 13th March 1997, the
RIMC celebrated its Platinum Jubilee. Along with a host of dignitaries including the Chief
of the Army Staff, the event was attended by the President of India, Dr Shankar Dayal
Sharma, who released a postage stamp to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of the College
that has contributed so greatly towards the nation. It is special in another way, because
the issue of a stamp is permitted by the Ministry only on Centenaries. The Platinum
Jubilee was covered extensively by the media and the BBC as well as the STAR TV spent a
few minutes on the event in its News, a rare distinction for any public school anywhere.
The event was attended by 598 Rimcollians and their families including 25 from Pakistan,
Bangladesh and Europe. There were about 2000 guests for the occasion.
The celebrations were held from 11th March to 14 March. On 11th March,
the Rimcollians arrived. In the afternoon, the Platinum Jubilee Gate was inaugurated and
the Sadbhavna Car Rally, entered to a cheerful welcome. The same evening witnessed the
Boxing Finals. On 12th March, in the morning, the ROBA meeting was held at the Bhagat Hall
and there was a sky diving display in which two Rimcollians also participated. The Cadets
Vs Old Boys matches then started in Cricket, Hockey and Squash and while the cadets lifted
the Cricket Cup, the other two went to the Old Boys. In the evening was the audio visual
show and as the audience sat mesmerised, the history of the RIMC unfolded in its full
glory. That night was the Commandants dinner where a large number of guests had been
invited. The next day, on
13th March was the Platinum Jubilee Day, and started with the Guard of Honour to the
president. The President gave away awards following which the RIMC stamp and first day
cover were released. The book on RIMC was also released by the President. The President
then addressed the cadets which was followed by a high tea. The wreath laying ceremony at
the War Memorial was held after that. In the evening, there was a variety entertainment
programme followed by the ROBA dinner. It was followed by a dance for all the guests and
the cadets.
Click ahead at the following pages for all the photographs and details.
