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First Post
4 days ago
- General
- First Post
Historic first: 1st batch of 17 women cadets graduates from NDA alongside over 300 male peers
The prestigious National Defence Academy on Friday witnessed history as the first batch of 17 female cadets marched alongside more than 300 male counterparts towards the 'Antim Pag' in a spectacular display of integration read more Gen VK Singh (retired), former Army Chief and current governor of Mizoram, who was the reviewing officer of the Passing Out Parade, called it a uniquely significant day in the history of the academy. Image Courtesy: News18 The prestigious National Defence Academy on Friday witnessed history as the first batch of 17 female cadets marched alongside more than 300 male counterparts towards the 'Antim Pag' in a spectacular display of integration. A flypast by three majestic Su-30 aircraft was a fitting accompaniment to the occasion as the cadets of the tri-services training academy's first co-ed batch went past the 'Antim Pag' at the Khetrapal Parade Ground on their way to bring more laurels to an institution widely hailed as the 'cradle of leadership'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The first batch of women cadets joined the NDA's 148th course in 2022 after the Union Public Service Commission allowed women to apply to the defence academy following a Supreme Court direction in 2021. 'Every moment, every difficulty we went through, each emotion in all these three years we spent at the academy is worth it,' said Divisional Cadet Captain Harsimran Kaur, whose parents were beaming with joy and pride at their daughter's feat. It was a rollercoaster of emotions as the parade moved towards the 'Antim Pag' as all the memories from the past three years got vivid, said Battalion Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh, adding that she was now fully ready to make her mark at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. Shital, another cadet who was flanked by her proud parents, said, 'It is a great feeling. There are more emotions and less words. As we approached the Antim Pag, the feeling was that yes we have done it.' The NDA had changed her '180 degrees' and had made her mentally and physically strong, said Shital, who will be joining the IMA. Her father Ashok Mahalen said all the 17 female cadets are 'not just our daughters but the daughters of the entire nation'. Cadet Shristi Singh, while thanking her instructors and Squadron Commander of India Squadron, remarked that the legendary saying associated with the academy of 'jitna ragda, utna tagda' (the more gruelling the training, the stronger the cadet) is absolutely true. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Singh, who is the first female cadet to pass out from India Squadron, aspires to join the Indian Naval Academy. Gen VK Singh (retired), former Army Chief and current governor of Mizoram, who was the reviewing officer of the Passing Out Parade, called it a uniquely significant day in the history of the academy. 'This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey towards greater inclusivity and empowerment. These young women are the inevitable symbol of Naari Shakti, embodying not just women's development but women-led development,' he said. 'I envision a future, not far from now, that one of these young women may rise to the highest of roles of the service they go to,' the former COAS said. Addressing the press, he said when the girls came to the academy, there was a system in place to integrate them, and they were truly integrated over these three years. 'I am sure the academy will be more successful in bringing more integration in the future,' the retired general said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Commandant, NDA, said when girls first came to the academy, they were staying separately. 'Today they are integrated completely with squadrons and battalions. They are running together, they are playing together, they are training together. Each and every activity at the academy is gender-neutral. It took us time but now it is in progress,' he asserted. He said before taking the step of integrating the female cadets into the squadrons and assessing how their living conditions would be, he personally led a team to Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and Officers Training Academy, Chennai, where female cadets have been in training for some years. 'We drew inspiration from them, studied their models and adapted as to how it can be implemented here at the academy,' the Vice Admiral said. A total of 1,341 cadets, including 336 from the passing out course, participated in the Passing Out Parade (POP) at the iconic Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The parade marked the successful completion of rigorous military and academic training by the cadets, culminating in a splendid display of precision, discipline and military bearing. It was impeccably conducted by Adjutant Lt Col Praveen Kumar Tiwari, astride his charger 'Reliant Robin'. Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi of 'G' Squadron commanded the parade. The Reviewing Officer presented President's Gold Medal to Battalion Cadet Adjutant Prince Raj, President's Silver Medal to Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi and President's Bronze Medal to Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhatt. The prestigious Chiefs of Staff Banner was awarded to Golf Squadron for overall excellence, a release said. The event concluded with a grand flypast featuring flag-trooping Chetak helicopters, Super Dimona motorised gliders, and the majestic Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft, symbolising the culmination of training and the cadets' readiness to embark on the next phase of their military journey.
India Today
25-04-2025
- Politics
- India Today
He fell on my lap, I couldn't move in fear: J&K survivor recounts husband's death
In an emotional exclusive interview, Shital Kalathiya, the wife of Shailesh Kalathiya who was killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, recounted the horror of witnessing her husband being shot dead by terrorists. Cradling him in her lap after he was hit, Shital was left begging for help that never recalled that they had only been at Pahalgam's popular 'Mini Switzerland' spot for 10–15 minutes with their two children and other families when gunfire erupted. Initially confused, they asked a nearby shopkeeper who also claimed it was the first time he'd heard such sounds. Moments later, terrorists appeared and ordered the group to separate by religion — Hindus on one side, Muslims on the other. 'All the Hindu men were shot on the spot within two to three minutes,' she said in an interview with Aaj Tak, India Today's sister described how she couldn't move while her husband lay wounded in her lap, fearing for her children as the terrorists stood nearby. 'I just kept hoping someone would come to save my husband. We heard so many gunshots, but no security, military, or police came.' She added that even after the terrorists left, there was no immediate help. Locals urged the remaining people to flee with their children in case the attackers returned. 'I carried my children barefoot through knee-deep mud to safety,' she said. Later, when she reported the lapse, an army personnel allegedly said, 'Why do you people go up there anyway?'Shital said she never imagined such an incident could happen. 'We trusted the government and our security forces,' she said, demanding that if the spot is such a danger zone, it should be shut down TERROR ATTACKadvertisementOn Tuesday afternoon, five to six terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran meadow, which is around 5 kms from Pahalgam. The meadow - also known as 'mini Switzerland' - is accessible only by foot or by horseback. The Pahalgam carnage was one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the Kashmir Valley in recent Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the said the terrorists emerged from the surrounding pine forests and fired at people picnicking, riding ponies, or eating at food stalls. Most of the victims were tourists, including two foreigners from the UAE and Nepal, and two and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the attack "much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years".Tune InMust Watch
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'This govt did not live up to expectations': Son of Gujarat man killed in Pahalgam attack says mother stayed with father, told us to leave
The wife and children of Shailesh Kalathiya mourn his death in Surat SURAT: 10-year-old Naksh is grappling with a heartbreaking reality — his father, Shailesh Kalathiya , will never return. Shailesh, a baker from Surat, was among the 28 victims brutally gunned down in Tuesday's terror attack in Pahalgam. Trying his best to maintain his composure, Naksh recalled the terrifying moments to The Times of India, revealing that the attackers were wearing caps fitted with cameras. "We were hungry, so we went to eat. Suddenly, gunshots rang out, and people started running everywhere. My mother stayed with my father and told us to go down. The men who attacked us had cameras on their caps," he said, his voice subdued with the weight of trauma. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo When asked if he had a message for the government, Naksh replied with a quiet, pointed remark: 'This government did not live up to expectations.' His mother Shital echoed similar sentiments 'The govt deducts taxes from our salaries even before we receive them. We pay taxes while shopping, and we pay tolls to use roads. VIPs enjoy every facility, including security convoys and even helicopters. But when my husband needed protection, he got none. It seems only your (politicians) life is life, and common people's lives are ordinary," Shital said in presence of stunned politicians when they gathered at the Kasturi Bungalows in Mota Varachha to mourn the Surat banker's death on Thursday. Shital voiced her anguish in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister and Gujarat BJP Chief CR Paatil, local MP Mukesh Dalal, and minister of state for home Harsh Sanghavi. Shital, her son, and daughter escaped the terrorists' bullets, but Shailesh was not so fortunate. She described how a terrorist who shot dead Shailesh was laughing and stayed there until he died. 'The attackers even separated tourists based on religion before opening fire. The men who were Hindus were separated and shot by the terrorists. What kind of govt is this, which cannot protect its own citizens?' she said. Flanked by weeping relatives and fighting back her tears, Shital also accused the politicians of finding an opportunity for a photo-op during such tragedies. 'All politicians, officials, and security forces came only after the incident, for photo ops. No one was there when my husband needed help. We thought that Kashmir was the safest place, looking at the big number of military present there. But we were wrong,' she rued. Shital urged the govt to ensure security and support for the families left behind. 'I want the govt to safeguard the futures of all those who lost their loved ones.' Shailesh was working as a manager with the State Bank of India (SBI) in Mumbai's Kandivali branch, and he was on vacation in Kashmir.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Widow's anguish stuns politicians into silence, accuses them of photo ops during tragedy
Surat: "The govt deducts taxes from our salaries even before we receive them. We pay taxes while shopping, and we pay tolls to use roads. VIPs enjoy every facility, including security convoys and even helicopters. But when my husband needed protection, he got none. It seems only your (politicians) life is life, and common people's lives are ordinary." This emotional outburst from Shital, the widow of Shailesh Kalathiya, who was killed in Pahalgam, stunned politicians into silence when they gathered at the Kasturi Bungalows in Mota Varachha to mourn the Surat banker's death on Thursday. Shital voiced her anguish in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister and Gujarat BJP Chief CR Paatil, local MP Mukesh Dalal, and minister of state for home Harsh Sanghavi. Shital, her son, and daughter escaped the terrorists' bullets, but Shailesh was not so fortunate. She described how a terrorist who shot dead Shailesh was laughing and stayed there until he died. "The attackers even separated tourists based on religion before opening fire. The men who were Hindus were separated and shot by the terrorists. What kind of govt is this, which cannot protect its own citizens?" she said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo Flanked by weeping relatives and fighting back her tears, Shital also accused the politicians of finding an opportunity for a photo-op during such tragedies. "All politicians, officials, and security forces came only after the incident, for photo ops. No one was there when my husband needed help. We thought that Kashmir was the safest place, looking at the big number of military present there. But we were wrong," she rued. Shital urged the govt to ensure security and support for the families left behind. "I want the govt to safeguard the futures of all those who lost their loved ones." Shailesh was working as a manager with the State Bank of India (SBI) in Mumbai's Kandivali branch, and he was on vacation in Kashmir. Shital also demanded that the govt secure the future of children of all victims of the terror attack. "We wanted our daughter to become a doctor and our son an engineer. Now, what will be their future? I want justice," she said. Terrorist Had Camera on Cap: Son Recounting the horror, the couple's 10-year-old son, Naksh, told TOI that the terrorists had a camera attached to the cap. "We were hungry, so we went to eat. Suddenly, gunfire erupted, and everyone began running for their lives. My mother stayed with my father and told us to go down. They were wearing caps fitted with cameras," he said. When asked if he wanted to tell anything to the govt, he said: "This govt did not live up to expectations."
