In a historic event for India’s military landscape, the National Defence Academy (NDA) celebrated the graduation of its first-ever batch of female cadets at its Khadakwasla campus in Pune. This momentous ceremony honored 17 women who have successfully completed rigorous training, marking a significant advancement towards gender inclusivity in the Indian Armed Forces.
Among the graduates, Ishita Sangwan from Haryana expressed her feelings about this transformative experience, sharing, “It feels amazing to be an ex-NDA. I had no idea about NDA as there was no one from a defense background in my family. When I joined, everything was new. It felt like every day was a new box of surprises.” Her reflections encapsulate both the challenges and triumphs of breaking through barriers within one of India’s elite military institutions.
The historic commencement follows a pivotal Supreme Court ruling in August 2021 that allowed female candidates to take the NDA entrance examinations for the first time, with the initial intake beginning in November 2021. This successful commissioning of the first female cadets not only exemplifies personal achievements for these women but also signifies critical institutional change within a realm that has traditionally been male-dominated.
To commemorate the occasion, the NDA introduced a special magazine titled “Breaking Barriers: Female Cadets.” This publication details the experiences, trials, and milestones of these trailblazing women, standing as a testament to their resilience and determination.
The entry of women into the NDA aligns with ongoing initiatives throughout India’s defense services aimed at integrating female officers into diverse roles. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of women undertaking combat, leadership, and technical positions across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The graduation of this inaugural cohort of female cadets signals a transformative moment for the Indian military, paving the way for greater inclusivity and representation. Their success is poised to inspire future generations of young women, demonstrating that the highest levels of training and leadership in defense are now within reach.
