The National Defence Academy (NDA) made history on Friday as it celebrated a remarkable milestone, with the first group of 17 female cadets marching alongside over 300 male cadets towards the ‘Antim Pag.’ This momentous event featured a breathtaking flypast by three Su-30 aircraft, marking the commencement of the Academy’s first co-educational batch at the Khetrapal Parade Ground, an institution often celebrated as the “cradle of leadership.”
The female cadets joined the NDA’s 148th course in 2022, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2021 that enabled women to apply to the defense academy. Divisional Cadet Captain Harsimran Kaur reflected on her experience, stating, “Every moment, every difficulty we went through, each emotion in all these three years we spent at the academy is worth it,” as her parents looked on, filled with pride.
“It was a rollercoaster of emotions as we moved towards the ‘Antim Pag,’ bringing back vivid memories of our journey,” said Battalion Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh, who is now poised to continue her career at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. Another cadet, Shital, expressed her joy, saying, “It is a great feeling. There are more emotions and fewer words. Approaching the Antim Pag, it felt like we have done it.” She noted the transformative impact of her time at the NDA, describing it as a crucial turning point in her life.
Her father, Ashok Mahalen, emphasized the broader significance of their achievements, stating that the 17 cadets represent “not just our daughters but the daughters of the entire nation.” Cadet Shristi Singh acknowledged her instructors, remarking on the authenticity of the academy’s motto, “jitna ragda, utna tagda,” which means the more grueling the training, the stronger the cadet.
Singh, standing out as the first female cadet from India Squadron to graduate, aims to enroll in the Indian Naval Academy. Retired General V.K. Singh, the former Army Chief and current governor of Mizoram, served as the reviewing officer for the Passing Out Parade, declaring it a significant day in the academy’s history. He stated, “This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey towards greater inclusivity and empowerment. These young women symbolize Naari Shakti, showcasing much more than women’s development; they represent women-led development.”
He forecasted that it would not be long before one of these women ascends to the highest ranks in their respective service. Speaking to the media, he reassured that the integration of female cadets had been systematically implemented over the past three years and expressed confidence in the academy’s continued success in furthering this integration.
Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Commandant of the NDA, shared that when the female cadets first arrived, they were initially separate. However, he noted, “Today they are fully integrated with their squadrons and battalions, participating in training and activities together.” He shared his commitment to ensuring that the academy’s environment is completely gender-neutral, emphasizing that this was a gradual but vital progression.
The Vice Admiral also led a team to study the successful integration models at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala and the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. A total of 1,341 cadets, including 336 from the current graduating class, took part in the Passing Out Parade at the iconic Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla.
The ceremony marked the culmination of rigorous military and academic training, showcasing precision and discipline, conducted under the guidance of Adjutant Lt Col Praveen Kumar Tiwari. The parade was commanded by Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi of ‘G’ Squadron. Awards such as the President’s Gold Medal were presented to Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj, while the Chiefs of Staff Banner was awarded to Golf Squadron for excellence.
The event concluded with a spectacular flypast featuring Chetak helicopters, Super Dimona gliders, and Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, symbolizing the cadets’ readiness to embark on the next phase of their military journeys.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/historic-first-1st-batch-of-17-women-cadets-graduates-from-nda-alongside-over-300-male-peers-13893218.html
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Publish Date: 2025-05-30 21:13:00
