A march into history: 1st batch of 17 female cadets passes out from NDA
WITH THE background score of the emotional and nostalgic Scottish tune of Auld Lang Syne and the majestic backdrop of the Sahyadri hills, the cadets from the landmark 148th course of the NDA, including first batch of 17 female cadets, marched past Quarterdeck flag mast on the Khetrapal Ground, marking the end the of their three-year challenging training.
A total of 336 cadets including 17 female cadets passed out of the academy, according to the NDA. Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (retd), Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of Army Staff was the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade (POP). Gen Singh addressed the cadets and ceremonially pinned medals on those who earned top honors of the course.
The President's Gold Medal was awarded to Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj of Charlie Squadron. The President's Silver Medal was awarded to Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi of Golf Squadron. The President's Bronze Medal went to Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhat of November Squadron. The Chiefs of Staff Banner for the Champion Squadron was awarded to the Golf Squadron. The complete parade line-up consisted of a total of 1,341 cadets divided in 18 contingents of each squadron. Of these 1,341 cadets in the parade line-up, 336 were from the passing out course and remaining from the junior courses which included the female cadets.
On Friday morning, Gen Singh visited the Hut of Remembrance (HOR) and paid homage to the bravehearts. The Hut of Remembrance is the sanctum sanctorum of the NDA and was built by the voluntary efforts of cadets of the 10th to 17th courses, to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the World War II and post–independence operations in J&K. Later, it also became a memorial for ex-NDA officers who made the supreme sacrifice during combat operations.
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