Latest news with #PoonamTandon
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Girl cadets torchbearers of change, courage & capability, says NDA convocation chief guest
Pune: Poonam Tandon, the vice-chancellor of Deen Dayal Upadhyay University, Gorakhpur, on Thursday said the passing out girl cadets of the NDA were the torchbearers of change, courage and capability, and their example would inspire generations to come. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Tandon was the chief guest at the convocation of the 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA). Addressing the cadets, she said, "Girls, your achievement today is not just your own. It is a breakthrough for thousands of young women across India, who look up to you." She continued, "You have proven that the pursuit of excellence and service knows no gender. Your presence here is historic, and your example will inspire future generations. I salute your grit, grace and determination." A total of 309 cadets were conferred a bachelor's degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University at the convocation. Eighty-four cadets were conferred degrees in the science stream, 85 in the computer science stream and 59 in the arts stream. Seventeen cadets from friendly foreign countries were also awarded degrees. In addition, the B Tech stream comprising 111 Navy and Air Force cadets received a "three-year course completion" certificate. These Naval and Air Force cadets would be conferred with the degree after the completion of one-year training at their respective pre-commissioning training academies — Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, and Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad, respectively. Tandon, the chief guest at the convocation, said parents had shown remarkable strength and resolve in offering their children in the service of our motherland. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "I commend you for nurturing values of patriotism, discipline and courage in them. Your unwavering support is the wing beneath which we need their wings," she said. She said the cadets' degree was not merely a formal academic requirement. "It is a foundation, a launching pad to intellectual and professional excellence. As future leaders of men and women in uniform, you must strive to become not only physically fit and tactically sound but also mentally agile, emotionally intelligent and ethically grounded," she said. "The demand for modern warfare and global geopolitics necessitates the development of intellectual strength. As Thucydides, the Athenian historian and general, said over two millennia ago, the nation that makes a great distinction between the scholar and its warrior will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools," she added. Vice Admiral Gurucharan Singh, the NDA Commandant, addressing the convocation of the course, said, "I am confident that the first graduating batch of female cadets, along with their male counterparts, will carve a name for themselves as exemplary leaders of both men and women. Remember, your decisions will shape lives and your actions will inspire generations." He said, "The nation looks up to you with hope and trust, not just to defend its borders, but to uphold the values that make our society just, compassionate and strong. Serve with honour, lead with courage and remain forever true to the ideals you have sworn to protect. You are the torchbearers of a very proud legacy."
The Hindu
7 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Maiden batch of 17 female cadets graduates from NDA; Passing Out Parade on May 30
Marking a historic moment for women in Indian armed forces, the first batch of 17 female cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune on Thursday (May 29, 2025) and were conferred degrees along with more than 300 male cadets. The convocation ceremony of 148th NDA course was held at the academy, widely known as the "cradle of leadership", which provides officers to the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. NDA Commandant Vice-Admiral Gurcharan Singh hailed the graduation of the maiden batch of female cadets and expressed hope that they will carve out names for themselves as exemplary leaders. A total of 339 cadets, including the female cadets, were conferred degrees from the Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Of them, 84 cadets were awarded with the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, 85 with Computer Science degree, 59 with Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and 111 with Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree. Professor Poonam Tandon, Vice-Chancellor of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, who was the chief guest at the event, said, "...I have been informed that over the decade, the NDA has produced more than 40,000 officers who went on to bring glory to India, both in times of war and in peace. They have carved an illustrious path, upheld the highest traditions of the law and service, and written chapters of courage in golden letters." "Today, I had the privilege of conferring degrees upon the cadets of the 148th course and awarding deserving individuals with honours and trophies," she said. She congratulated all the cadets for achieving this significant milestone. "I hope that this foundation stone will pave the way for a glorious and fulfilling career. I am especially elated to learn that tomorrow marks the passing out of the first batch of female cadets from NDA. Girls, your achievement today is not just your own. It is a breakthrough for thousands of young women across India who look up to you. You are the torchbearers of change, courage, and capability," Ms. Tandon said. Only one woman cadet from Karnataka undergoing training in NDA "You have proven that the pursuit of excellence and service knows no gender. Your presence here is historic, and your example will inspire generations to come. I salute your grit, grace, and determination," she said. Cadet Lucky Kumar secured the first position in the Science stream. Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwah topped the Computer Science stream, while Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh, one of the 17 female cadets, stood first in the Arts stream. Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi emerged as the topper in the BTech stream. The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 148th course will be held at the NDA on May 30. In 2021, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) allowed women to apply to the defence academy following a Supreme Court direction.
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
NDA: Convocation of the landmark 148th course today
The convocation ceremony for 148th course of the NDA which comprises the first batch of women cadets will be held on Thursday. Prof Dr Poonam Tandon, Vice Chancellor, Deen Dayal Upadhyay University, Gorakhpur, will be the Chief Guest. The cadets will be conferred the degree and course completion certificates from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The degrees awarded include those in Science stream, Computer Science and Social Science stream. Some of the cadets of Navy and Air Force and cadets from the BTech stream will receive their three years course completion certificates. These Naval and Air Force cadets will be conferred with the degrees after completion of one year training at their respective pre-commissioning training academies i.e. Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy (AFA) respectively. General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff and current Governor of Mizoram, will be the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the historic 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), scheduled for May 30.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Gorakhpur University promotes wellness with Yoga for women farmers
Gorakhpur: In a step toward rural women's empowerment, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University (DDUGU) in collaboration with Shaheed Bandhu Singh Degree College, Karamha, organized a yoga awareness programme for women farmers and paddy labourers. Held under the theme 'Yoga for Women Farmers and Women Paddy Labourers', the event aligned with the 2025 International Yoga Day theme -'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. The session was led by university's Vice Chancellor Prof Poonam Tandon, who emphasized the importance of physical and mental wellness for women working in agriculture. Addressing the session, the VC said, "Women farmers toil tirelessly in fields and often neglect their own health. Yoga not only enhances physical fitness but also alleviates fatigue, back pain, and mental stress." More than 35 women participated in the hands-on session, where yoga instructors Neelam and Priyanka guided them through accessible yet effective asanas such as Tadasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, and Trikonasana. Rani Devi, a farmer, shared, "The session helped them realize the importance of self-care." The programme saw active support from faculty, students, and researchers from the Home Science department.
