Cadet Adjutant Deepak Kandpal, a proud son of a taxi driver from Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, has emerged as a shining example of determination and success by being named the best cadet of the 2025 batch at the National Defence Academy (NDA). His remarkable journey culminated in the prestigious President’s Gold Medal, awarded during the 149th Passing Out Parade (POP) at NDA, Khadakwasla.
The President’s Gold Medal is awarded to a cadet demonstrating exceptional performance across various disciplines, including academic excellence, physical fitness, discipline, and leadership abilities. Deepak received this recognition from Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who presided over the parade as the Chief Guest.
Raised in Garud, a modest town in the Bageshwar district, Deepak faced significant challenges in his pursuit of joining the armed forces, navigating financial limitations and uncertain circumstances. Support from his family, particularly his father’s tireless efforts as a taxi driver, helped him remain focused on his goals.
Deepak began his education at St Adams Public School until eighth grade, subsequently enrolling at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Gagrigole, where he excelled academically and notably topped his district in Class 12. His determination to serve in the armed forces led him to juggle his graduation studies at Delhi University with preparation for the NDA entrance exam, a balancing act that required immense dedication. His hard work and perseverance ultimately paid off when he entered the NDA in 2022.
Throughout his three years at the academy, Deepak showcased his talents across multiple facets of military training — excelling in academics, mastering physical conditioning and endurance tasks, and conducting leadership development exercises. His all-rounded excellence distinguished him, earning him the highest honor within his course and setting him apart from his peers.
The 149th Passing Out Parade celebrated the achievements of 328 cadets, marking a significant milestone in their military training. Among them, 216 cadets received bachelor’s degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), with disciplines including 72 in Science, 92 in Computer Science, and 52 in Arts. Additionally, 18 cadets from friendly foreign nations graduated alongside the Indian cadets.
Furthermore, 112 Navy and Air Force cadets completed their three-year BTech programs and will now proceed to INA Ezhimala and AFA Hyderabad for their final year.
During the ceremony, Admiral Tripathi underscored the increasing involvement of women in the armed forces, highlighting that this graduation included the second batch of women cadets from the NDA. He emphasized, “Awards don’t define your abilities; your duties define you,” as he addressed the graduating cohort.
Deepak Kandpal’s incredible achievement serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for countless aspirants across India. His journey demonstrates that regardless of one’s background, dedication and relentless effort can pave the way for success, sending a resounding message that even the most formidable obstacles can be overcome.
