NDA Women Cadets Graduate: Something very special happened in Pune on Friday. For the first time ever, 17 women cadets finished their training at the National Defence Academy (NDA), joining more than 300 male cadets in the passing out parade.
The event took place at the Khetrpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla, where cadets walked past the famous ‘Antim Pag’, which means ‘Final Step’. This parade is a big moment for every cadet because it marks the end of their training at the academy, which is known as the “cradle of leadership.”
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Altogether, 339 cadets got their degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University during the ceremony. These included 84 students getting Bachelor of Science degrees, 85 getting Computer Science degrees, 59 receiving Bachelor of Arts degrees, and 111 cadets finishing with Bachelor of Technology degrees. The academy cadet captain, Udayveer Negi, led the parade of this 148th course, reports Financial express.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Passing Out Parade of 148th Course, National Defence Academy (NDA) underway in Pune.
The parade is being reviewed by General VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), Governor of Mizoram & former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
(Source: National Defence Academy) pic.twitter.com/R8qdjStG16
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Among the women cadets, one name stood out Shriti Daksh. She became the first woman cadet to win the Silver Medal and also received the Chief of Air Staff Trophy for getting the highest marks in the Bachelor of Arts stream.
Her journey at NDA wasn’t easy, and she shared that the first few days were hard to adjust. She said it took time, but the help from instructors and staff made things better. She called the three-year training an emotional rollercoaster. Her father was also part of the NDA in the past, and from the same squadron, so she is proud to carry forward the family legacy.
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This group of women cadets joined the NDA in 2022, after the Supreme Court in 2021 told the UPSC to allow women to apply for the exam. That was a huge step forward, and now this group has made history by completing their training.
Gen V K Singh, the former Army Chief and now the Governor of Mizoram, came as the chief guest and reviewed the parade. He spoke with great pride and said this day is very special because it shows how far the academy has come in including women.
Gen V K Singh said this moment is a big step towards more empowerment and equality. He called these young women a strong sign of “Naari Shakti,” and said they show that women are not just part of development, but can also lead it. He said he believes that one of these women might even reach the topmost position in whichever service they join.
