In a significant milestone for India’s military history, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune conducted the convocation ceremony for its 148th course, celebrating the graduation of over 300 cadets, including a landmark cohort of 17 female cadets—the first of its kind in the academy’s history. This event underscores a pivotal movement towards gender inclusivity within India’s armed forces.
The ceremony, presided over by Chief Guest Prof. (Dr) Poonam Tandon, Vice Chancellor of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, emphasized the importance of educational progress alongside military training. Known for her advocacy in educational reforms under the National Education Policy 2020, her presence highlighted the NDA’s dual commitment to academic excellence and rigorous military preparation.
Degrees were conferred through Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), encompassing various disciplines such as Science, Computer Science, and Social Sciences. Among the exceptional graduates were Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi, Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwah, and Cadet Lucky Kumar, with Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh from the female cohort emerging as the top performer in the Arts stream.
Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, the NDA Commandant, praised the achievements of all graduates and underlined the importance of incorporating women into the academy. He expressed his confidence in their future contributions to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, marking this moment as a significant indicator of progress for both the institution and the nation.
The graduation ceremony took place in the historic Habibullah Hall, adorned with the NDA emblem and national flags, where cadets were awarded degrees, certificates, and trophies in the presence of their families and distinguished military officials. The occasion culminated in a group photograph featuring the graduating cadets in ceremonial attire, alongside faculty and officers, encapsulating the pride and spirit of the day.
This event sets the precedent for the upcoming Passing Out Parade (POP) scheduled for May 30, where General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff and current Governor of Mizoram, will act as the Reviewing Officer. The POP ceremony will signify the official commissioning of the cadets into the armed forces, marking the completion of their three-year extensive training at the NDA.
This convocation stands as a testament not only to the academic and military accomplishments of the cadets but also to the NDA’s progressive role in nurturing inclusive and dynamic leaders for the future, all bound by the enduring motto: “Service Before Self.”
