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Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
In a first, 17 women cadets to graduate from NDA alongside 300 male soldiers on May 30
Pune: NDA's first batch of female cadets at National Defence Academy in Pune. 17 female cadets are set to graduate alongside more than 300 male counterparts from the academy. On May 30th, history will be made at the National Defence Academy as the first 17 women cadets graduate alongside their male counterparts. This landmark event marks a significant step towards gender integration in India's armed forces, fulfilling a Supreme Court directive from 2022. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 'A complete transformation' Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Breaking barriers, shaping futures Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads On May 30, Cadet Ishita Sharma will step onto the National Defence Academy NDA ) parade ground in Pune, not just as a graduate but as part of a moment that will go down in is among the first 17 women cadets who will pass out of the prestigious military institution — a landmark event in the journey of gender integration in India's armed 17 women, alongside nearly 300 male cadets, are set to become NDA's first co-ed graduating batch since the academy opened its doors to female aspirants in decades, the NDA had remained an all-male bastion. That changed following a Supreme Court directive, and now, three years later, the results of that shift are ready to be commissioned into military life.'I come from a non-military background. My parents work in the corporate sector, and my brother is an IT professional. I was pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics when NDA announced its entry for women. I didn't think twice before applying,' Ishita, who now holds the honorary title of Division Cadet Captain (DCC), told on her time at the academy, she said, 'After spending three years here, I can confidently say that my personality underwent a complete transformation.'For Ishita, leadership was not just taught, it was lived — with responsibilities like being DCC offering a chance to develop character and command from within the experience is echoed across the batch, with cadets describing the three years as intense, transformative, and deeply personal. 'Before joining the academy, I was an introvert. Here, I made several friends for life. In fact, my course mates feel like family now,' she cadet, Shriti Daksh, daughter of a retired wing commander, shared how the NDA experience not only matched but exceeded her expectations. 'At the academy, I actually understood what the real experience of military training feels like,' she first day at NDA was more than a moment of pride — it was a generational milestone. 'It was a special day for my father and me when he dropped me off at the academy, a mix of nostalgia and pride for him. Now, I am just a few days away from the moment my father experienced in his life, and I am excited to share that moment with him on May 30,' she Ritul Duhan, who became the first woman to be appointed Battalion Cadet Captain (BCC), knows the weight her position carries.'We're not just completing training; we are paving the way for future leadership and inspiring younger cadets,' she the physically and mentally demanding training, the women cadets said the environment was one of equal opportunity. 'Equal opportunity naturally empowers each individual. That is what makes the academy unique in all aspects,' Ishita time at NDA was defined not just by military drills and academic learning, but by breaking mental barriers. 'Once you break that mental barrier, you push your limits to the next level each time,' Ishita historic passing-out parade on May 30 will not only celebrate the graduation of these cadets, but also reflect a new chapter for the armed forces — one that signals inclusivity, resilience, and a future where leadership wears no gender.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Stint at NDA transformative, readies us for military roles and leadership, say first women cadets set to graduate from academy
1 2 Pune: Cadet Ishita Sharma stands at a pivotal moment, just eight days away from a significant milestone not just for her, but for the country. She is part of the first group of 17 women cadets who will graduate from the National Defence Academy (NDA) on May 30, along with around 300 male counterparts. This achievement marks a historic moment for the Indian Armed Forces, following their decision to allow women to enter the academy in June 2022. "I come from a non-military background. My parents work in the corporate sector, and my brother is an IT professional. I was pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics when the NDA announced its entry for women. I didn't think twice before applying," Ishita told TOI. The maiden graduating cadets share the common experience of stringent physical training, military routines, and strong bonds formed over three years at the academy. They echoed that a key aspect of their journey has been personal development, reflecting NDA's reputation for transforming young individuals into accomplished military personnel. Ishita added, "After spending three years here, I can confidently say that my personality underwent a complete transformation." Achieving several accomplishments along the way, Ishita earned the honorary appointment of 'Division Cadet Captain' (DCC) for her outstanding performance in all areas of training. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More "This is how one gets the opportunity to become a leader right from the academy. It develops your leadership character naturally," she remarked. Her fellow graduating cadets echoed similar sentiments about their stint at the academy, acknowledging the significant and transformative impact of training on their confidence. "Before joining the academy, I was an introvert. Here, I made several friends for life. In fact, my course mates feel like family now. I would not have imagined it. You form unbreakable bonds that last forever," Ishita said, speaking to TOI outside the Sudan Block of NDA. The cadets emphasised that they never had to compete with their male counterparts for opportunities during their training — they received equal chances to excel. "Equal opportunity naturally empowers each individual. That is what makes the academy unique in all aspects," Ishita added. All cadets faced challenges during military training in the initial stages. They worked hard on both physical fitness and overcoming mental barriers. "Once you break that mental barrier, you push your limits to the next level each time. That is what truly matters, not how many push-ups one can do at a time," elaborated Ishita. For cadet Shriti Daksh, the initial weeks at the academy brought about a stark realisation about the realities of military training. "At the academy, I actually understood what the real experience of military training feels like," said Shriti, the daughter of a retired Wing Commander, who was motivated to follow in her father's footsteps. "I had no other dream or career plan than to join the Indian Armed Forces," she added. Shriti said, "When the NDA opened its doors for girls, I was elated as I wanted to join the same academy from which my father graduated decades ago. It was a significant milestone for me personally. It was a special day for both my father and me when he dropped me off at the academy, a mix of nostalgia and pride for him. Now, I am just a few days away from the moment my father experienced in his life, and I am excited to share that moment with him on May 30. " Balancing military training with academics has been one of the most challenging aspects for the cadets. They often feel pressed for time, as participation in various activities alongside their daily schedules tests their mental endurance. "You are involved everywhere — from the drill square to the swimming pool to equestrian activities. So, maintaining a balance is the most difficult challenge we face. We are always short on time. That's the level of our schedule," Shriti explained. Ritul Duhan, the first Battalion Cadet Captain (BCC) from the group, is aware of the significant responsibility she carries. "We are not just completing our training; we are paving the way for future leadership and inspiring younger cadets who will follow our path," she said. Ritul lauded the academy's adaptation to integrate female cadets. "The atmosphere has become increasingly conducive," she said, adding, "I encourage girls to join with a broader purpose, understanding that this training develops every aspect of your personality." Cadet schedule: > Every cadet wakes up at 5am > Cadets assemble at squadron parade ground to recite the NDA prayer and honour code > Then starts the outdoor training, including physical training, drills and academic sessions > This is followed by breakfast and then academic classes from 9am to 1pm > Lunch comes after classes, followed by a practice games period, where they train for various sports, including preparation for camps > Then comes a study period of two hours > After studying, they have dinner and go to bed by 10.15pm Pune: Cadet Ishita Sharma stands at a pivotal moment, just eight days away from a significant milestone not just for her, but for the country. She is part of the first group of 17 women cadets who will graduate from the National Defence Academy (NDA) on May 30, along with around 300 male counterparts. This achievement marks a historic moment for the Indian Armed Forces, following their decision to allow women to enter the academy in June 2022. "I come from a non-military background. My parents work in the corporate sector, and my brother is an IT professional. I was pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics when the NDA announced its entry for women. I didn't think twice before applying," Ishita told TOI. The maiden graduating cadets share the common experience of stringent physical training, military routines, and strong bonds formed over three years at the academy. They echoed that a key aspect of their journey has been personal development, reflecting NDA's reputation for transforming young individuals into accomplished military personnel. Ishita added, "After spending three years here, I can confidently say that my personality underwent a complete transformation." Achieving several accomplishments along the way, Ishita earned the honorary appointment of 'Division Cadet Captain' (DCC) for her outstanding performance in all areas of training. "This is how one gets the opportunity to become a leader right from the academy. It develops your leadership character naturally," she remarked. Her fellow graduating cadets echoed similar sentiments about their stint at the academy, acknowledging the significant and transformative impact of training on their confidence. "Before joining the academy, I was an introvert. Here, I made several friends for life. In fact, my course mates feel like family now. I would not have imagined it. You form unbreakable bonds that last forever," Ishita said, speaking to TOI outside the Sudan Block of NDA. The cadets emphasised that they never had to compete with their male counterparts for opportunities during their training — they received equal chances to excel. "Equal opportunity naturally empowers each individual. That is what makes the academy unique in all aspects," Ishita added. All cadets faced challenges during military training in the initial stages. They worked hard on both physical fitness and overcoming mental barriers. "Once you break that mental barrier, you push your limits to the next level each time. That is what truly matters, not how many push-ups one can do at a time," elaborated Ishita. For cadet Shriti Daksh, the initial weeks at the academy brought about a stark realisation about the realities of military training. "At the academy, I actually understood what the real experience of military training feels like," said Shriti, the daughter of a retired Wing Commander, who was motivated to follow in her father's footsteps. "I had no other dream or career plan than to join the Indian Armed Forces," she added. Shriti said, "When the NDA opened its doors for girls, I was elated as I wanted to join the same academy from which my father graduated decades ago. It was a significant milestone for me personally. It was a special day for both my father and me when he dropped me off at the academy, a mix of nostalgia and pride for him. Now, I am just a few days away from the moment my father experienced in his life, and I am excited to share that moment with him on May 30. " Balancing military training with academics has been one of the most challenging aspects for the cadets. They often feel pressed for time, as participation in various activities alongside their daily schedules tests their mental endurance. "You are involved everywhere — from the drill square to the swimming pool to equestrian activities. So, maintaining a balance is the most difficult challenge we face. We are always short on time. That's the level of our schedule," Shriti explained. Ritul Duhan, the first Battalion Cadet Captain (BCC) from the group, is aware of the significant responsibility she carries. "We are not just completing our training; we are paving the way for future leadership and inspiring younger cadets who will follow our path," she said. Ritul lauded the academy's adaptation to integrate female cadets. "The atmosphere has become increasingly conducive," she said, adding, "I encourage girls to join with a broader purpose, understanding that this training develops every aspect of your personality." Cadet schedule: > Every cadet wakes up at 5am > Cadets assemble at squadron parade ground to recite the NDA prayer and honour code > Then starts the outdoor training, including physical training, drills and academic sessions > This is followed by breakfast and then academic classes from 9am to 1pm > Lunch comes after classes, followed by a practice games period, where they train for various sports, including preparation for camps > Then comes a study period of two hours > After studying, they have dinner and go to bed by 10.15pm Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘Our gender never came in the way': NDA's first women cadets batch reflects on training rigour, bonds, transcending boundaries
THE FIRST batch of women cadets of the National Defence Academy (NDA) from its 148th course are inching closer to their day of marching past the Antim Pag — the final step — at the triservices academy. Among them is Cadet Ishita Sharma, who said, 'We were always given equal opportunities and our gender never came in the way.' The cadets from this pioneering group of young women talked of the deep bonds they forged through sharing each other's happiness and sadness, and embracing the spirit of unity with an unshakable attitude —'always hold each other's hands and complete the task no matter what: either running, walking, or crawling'. Ahead of the convocation and the Passing Out Parade of the landmark 148th course of the NDA, which is scheduled to take place on May 29 and 30, some of the members of the first batch of the women cadets at the NDA reflected on their three-year long journey at the country's premier tri-services academy on Friday. Seventeen women cadets are passing out from the academy along with their 300 plus male counterparts. An interim order passed by the Supreme Court of India in August 2021 had paved the way for the admission of the women cadets into the NDA. The apex court was hearing a plea seeking directions to allow eligible women to appear for the entrance exams of the NDA and Naval Academy examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Speaking to The Indian Express on Friday, Division Cadet Captain Ishita Sharma, who was pursuing Economics Honours from Delhi University before coming to the NDA, said, 'I believe that induction of women in the NDA and the passing out of the first batch means a lot for women and women empowerment. Here, We have always been given equal chances, equal opportunities and our gender has never come in the way. On the other hand, when women are seen having leadership roles, getting permanent commission, it would lead to aspiration among young women to join the NDA and the armed forces.' Asked about the changes made in the standards when the first batch of women cadets joined, Cadet Ishita Sharma, who is an Army cadet said, 'We all understand that there are physiological differences between men and women. So, in line with other academies, changes in the standards were made here too. For example, the physical training standards are different. But the idea was to have equity rather than equality in these standards and to challenge every cadet in their own way.' Asked about the highlights of their training, Ishita said, 'I believe that our 148th course and female cadets have transcended many boundaries. In our course, 80 percent are academic torchies who have been awarded for their academic performances and CGPA, many have merit cards in the PT and drill, 70 per cent of us have appointments which is a very good number.' Cadet appointments at NDA are leadership roles assigned to senior cadets, responsible for maintaining discipline, overseeing some activities, and leading their peers within the academy. Battalion Cadet Captain Ritul, who had completed her first year of engineering before she joined the NDA, said, 'We knew that the training would be tough and the training would groom me physically and emotionally. Before we joined, the administrative arrangements were already in place and there was separate accommodation for female cadets. Different arrangements were in place. There were moments which were no less than a roller coaster ride, like our first haircut. I had joined as a young individual and now we have been groomed to lead and handle any situation. Physical training, drill, games, cross country races and other aspects of training have groomed us and made us mentally tough.' Ritul, who is an Air Force cadet, said, 'Our course successfully completed three most challenging camps — Camp Rovers, Camp Torna and Camp Green Horn — with flying colours. Out of our group of 17, 13 have gotten cadet appointments in the sixth term which is a big achievement. When you hold the accountability of having cadet appointments it helps you become a better and sensitive leader. In our sixth term, we were integrated with our main squadrons. After this, right from the morning muster till the lights out, all the activities were done with the squadron. Before this, all the female cadets were living in a separate squadron. But in our sixth term, integration happened and all the female cadets were allotted to their respective squadrons.' When asked about what more needs to be done for women cadets, Ritul said, 'It is an ongoing process and the development will continue. Academy has changed so much since we have come here. When our course joined, the Academy had not seen female cadets in the 75 years of journey. Our journey here has the potential of inspiring women asserting that nothing is impossible. Women can achieve all the standards and nothing as such is gender specific. In the military everything will be seen in terms of merit.' One major change within: Growth, grit and leadership The Indian Express asked the cadets on the one major change they underwent on a personal level reflecting back on the three years of training. Cadet Ishita Sharma said, 'The academy helped me change my attitude and the way I look at things. The will to never give up is inculcated here. We will never giveup , we will always hold each other's hands. If there is a task, everyone will complete it no matter what — be it running, walking or crawling.' Cadet Ritul said, 'I would say physical stamina for me. With gradual training over these three years, we all have improved a lot. Many had not even run two kilometres and later we were running 14 kilometres at a stretch. And that has also helped us become emotionally resilient.' Cadet Harsimran Kaur said, 'The training also includes mannerisms, communication skills. You are given small leadership roles and that is how we learn to take initiatives and be responsible for a group.' Cadet Ishita Sangwan said, 'As we go into senior terms we not only get an opportunity to learn but also to guide and groom the juniors. That responsibility always ensures that you lead by example and remain accountable. Cadet Shreeti Daksh said, 'The academy has taught us camaraderie. Starting from junior when we used to train together, we have been part of each other's happiness and sadness, got to know about each other, their families, we sharted building a bond which was based on sharing.'
