General Vijay Kumar Singh, the Governor of Mizoram and a former Chief of Army Staff, visited the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, to serve as the Reviewing Officer for the Spring Term 2025 Passing Out Parade (POP). His return to this academy, where his military journey commenced, symbolized a full-circle moment in a distinguished career that has spanned over four decades.
Dressed in the ceremonial khaki PT attire—shorts, shirt, and knee-high socks—General Singh stood prominently during the parade. Images of him walking alongside senior officers beneath the inscription “Hunters at the Helm” quickly spread on social media, emphasizing his legacy of decisive and action-oriented leadership throughout his career.
The parade, characterized by its formality and dignity, served as a platform for General Singh to oversee the passing out of budding officers destined for the Indian Armed Forces. His presence at the event underscored the continuity of military tradition and highlighted the enduring connections between generations of NDA graduates. Among the dignitaries present was Col Shiv Raichand (Signals), a former commanding officer from the early 1990s, pointing to the long-standing relationships forged within the military.
General Singh’s impressive stature as a former Army Chief and recipient of numerous prestigious honors, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), garnered respect from attendees. As the first commando to achieve the rank of Chief of Army Staff, his career remains a powerful source of inspiration for aspiring cadets.
The ceremonial khaki uniform, still in use for such occasions despite the Indian Army’s official adoption of olive green after independence, sparked discussions among observers regarding the balance between tradition and contemporary identity within the armed forces.
Although General Singh has transitioned into political and gubernatorial roles, he continues to be regarded with admiration by many in the military community for his straightforward approach and leadership style. His tenure as a Minister of State in the Second Modi Ministry — following his affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014 — led some to speculate on the political constraints that impacted his potential to serve as Defence Minister.
His role as Reviewing Officer at the NDA highlighted the legacy he helped shape and the high expectations placed on future officers. One cadet remarked, “Watching him today was like seeing history walk past us. You don’t forget moments like these.” This sentiment encapsulates the impact of General Singh’s presence and the symbolic significance of the event for both current cadets and the larger military community.
