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The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Daring 17: The first women who crossed NDA portals
The National Defence Academy (NDA) has marked a watershed moment in India's military history with the graduation of its first batch of women cadets. In a two-day event at the prestigious Khadakwasla-based academy that concluded with the convocation ceremony on Friday, 339 cadets of the 148th course of NDA, including 17 pioneering women, were awarded degrees in a convocation ceremony that signified a new era of inclusivity and gender equality in the Indian armed forces. This milestone comes after a landmark 2021 Supreme Court ruling opened the NDA's gates to women for the first time since its inception in 1954. Over the course of three years, the cadets underwent intensive academic, physical, and military training, preparing them for future commissioning into the Army, Navy, or Air Force. A highlight of the convocation was cadet Shriti Daksh, who created history by becoming the first female cadet to receive the Silver Medal and Chief of Air Staff Trophy for securing the top rank in the BA stream. The moment was made even more special as cadets celebrated with their families on the scenic lawns outside the Sudan building, with an air display honouring their achievements. The second day featured the traditional antim pag or 'last step', as 1,341 cadets, including the graduating batch, marched past the Quarterdeck flag mast. The Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade was General V.K. Singh (retd.), Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of the Army Staff. Emotions ran high as proud family members embraced and congratulated the women cadets — many of whom have become trailblazers in their own right. In a powerful closing gesture, the women cadets performed 10 ceremonial push-ups in front of the Sudan building, a symbolic display of strength, resilience, and determination. This historic event marks not just a personal achievement for the cadets, but a significant stride for women in India's defence forces. Esprit de corps: NDA cadets share a light moment after the passing out parade marking the culmination of the 148th course training at the Khetrapal Parade Ground in Pune on Thursday (May 29, 2025). Top prize: Shriti Daksh marches towards the stage to receive the Commandant's Silver Medal and Chief of Air Staff trophy. Moment to cherish: A cadet with her mother after the convocation ceremony. Way forward: Army officials with female cadets during the convocation ceremony. Marching on: NDA cadets , both male and female, take part in the passing out parade on Thursday (May 29, 2025). Guest of honour: Former Army chief General V.K. Singh (retd.) in conversation with female cadets after the parade. Class dismissed: NDA cadets cheering with their professor after the parade. Proud kin: A cadet shares a happy moment with a family member. Final drill: Cadets perform ceremonial push-ups in front of the Sudan Building after their convocation.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Gen V K Singh reviews historic Passing Out Parade of NDA's 148th course
With the emotional and nostalgic Scottish tune of Auld Lang Syne playing, and the majestic backdrop of the Sahyadri hills, the cadets from the historic 148th course of the National Defence Academy, including the first batch of 17 women cadets, marched on the Khetrapal Ground, marking the end of their three-year challenging training. As many as 338 cadets participated in the Passing Out Parade (POP), which was reviewed by General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff and current Governor of Mizoram. Gen Singh addressed the passing-out cadets, and ceremonially pinned medals on those who earned top honours 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 the Golf Squadron. The President's Bronze Medal went to Battalion Cadet Captain Tejas Bhat of November Squadron. The Chiefs of Staff Banner was awarded to the Golf Squadron. Each year, India's premier tri-services academy witnesses the graduation and passing out of two batches of cadets. On Thursday, the convocation ceremony for the 148th course of NDA was held, and 339 cadets, including 17 women, were awarded their degrees and course completion certificates. The cadets were conferred with degrees and course completion certificates from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at the convocation of the 148th course of the NDA. Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh, who is from the first batch of women cadets, became an academic topper by standing first in the Arts stream. Situated amidst the scenic foothills of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, NDA is often hailed as the cradle of military leadership. Upon completing their three-year training at NDA, the cadets proceed to their respective armed forces' academies for an additional year of pre-commissioning training. This includes the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala; the Indian Military Academy in Uttarakhand's Dehradun for the Army; and the Air Force Academy at Dundigal in Telangana. In August 2021, the Supreme Court passed an interim order while hearing a plea seeking directions to allow eligible women to take the entrance examination for the NDA and Naval Academy conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The apex court asked UPSC to issue a corrigendum in keeping with its interim direction. The court, however, said that admission of women candidates will be subject to the final ruling on the petition. The first batch of women cadets joined the NDA in July-August 2022 as part of its 148th course.
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Ireland call up uncapped talents for two-game trip to us
Hockey Ireland has announced the Senior Women's squad set to travel to Charlotte, North Carolina for a two-match series against the USA on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. The upcoming series provides a valuable opportunity to face high-calibre international opposition as preparations intensify ahead of the EuroHockey Championships in August. The USA and Ireland are no strangers to each other, having last met during Ireland's impressive Silver Medal campaign at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Chile earlier this year. The squad features a number of players in line to potentially win their first senior international caps. Niamh Gowing (Railway Union) and Katie Larmour (Belfast Harlequins) have been rewarded for standout club seasons with call-ups to the senior squad. Also included is Amy Handcock, the highly rated 19-year-old UCD scholar who has continued to impress since starring for Ireland's U18 team last year. Another exciting inclusion is Jessica McMaster of Ulster Elks, who is named in a senior Ireland squad for the first time since 2017. The squad also boasts a core of experienced leaders. Captain Sarah Hawkshaw and Róisín Upton return to the fold, both with deep ties to US hockey from their college years at the University of Massachusetts and University of Connecticut respectively. They are joined by the likes of Elena Neill, Hannah McLoughlin, and several other Irish International stalwarts. Head Coach Gareth Grundie welcomed the opportunity the series presents: 'This is a great early opportunity to test ourselves against a strong USA side as we build toward the EuroHockey Championships in August. Playing top-level opposition away from home is exactly what we need at this stage of our preparations, and it's a valuable chance for both established players and new faces to challenge themselves in a competitive environment.' Both games will take place at 10:00 local time (15:00 Irish Time) at UNC Charlotte, the home of USA Field Hockey's international programme, and will be streamed live on Hockey Ireland TV. Ireland Women's Squad: Charlotte Beggs, Michelle Carey, Niamh Carey, Ellen Curran, Niamh Gowing, Christina Hamill, Amy Handcock, Sarah Hawkshaw (C), Emily Kealy, Katie Larmour, Katie McKee, Hannah McLoughlin, Jessica McMaster, Holly Micklem (GK), Lizzie Murphy (GK), Elena Neill, Siofra O'Brien, Caoimhe Perdue, Mikayla Power, Caitlin Sherin, Sarah Torrans, Róisín Upton.
Hans India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
187 students awarded degrees at 1st NIST convocation
Berhampur: Degrees were presented to 187 students, including 10 recipients of the prestigious Gold Medal and 19 recipients of Silver Medal, for exemplary academic performance as the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) University held its first Convocation Ceremony on Tuesday. The occasion marked a significant milestone in the university's journey, celebrating the achievements of its first graduating cohort. Additionally, honorary Doctorate degrees were conferred on distinguished space scientist and Padma Shri awardee Kota Harinarayana for his contribution to science, and eminent Odia vocalist Namita Agrawal for her contributions to literature and culture. NALCO CMD B Pratap Singh was the Chief Guest during the ceremony. The ceremony was further illuminated by the participation of renowned Odissi danseuse and Padma Shri awardee Aruna Mohanty as the Guest of Honour. Sukanta Kumar Mohapatra, Founder and Chairman of NIST University, inspired the graduates by highlighting their accomplishments both on national and international platforms. He also announced the establishment of a 'Centre of Excellence' within the university premises. NIST, established in 1996, has graduated more than 20,000 students from across India and nearby countries. NIST, which previously had autonomous college status, was granted university status in 2024 by the State government through enactment of the NIST University Act. Upon being declared a university, several global innovation centres (GICs) are being set up in NIST to retain its unique position in the field of education and research.
India Gazette
13-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Nirav Koli shines for India at International Kettlebell Marathon Federation World C'ship part 1
Madrid [Spain], May 13 (ANI): Nirav Koli made India proud by becoming the first Indian to achieve the CMS (Candidate Master Of Sport) Rank at the International Kettlebell Marathon Federation (IMKF) World Championship part 1, held in Spain from May 2 to 4. The championship was a major international event, with almost 150+ athletes from 22 countries taking part, as per a press release from IMKF. Nirav represented India in two events-Jerk (40 kg for 10 minutes) - Nirav lifted a 40 kg kettlebell nonstop for 10 minutes, completing 142 reps and earning the Silver Medal by finishing in 2nd place in the Body Weight Category of 75-85kg-Double Pentathlon - Nirav gave an excellent performance and achieved CMS Rank. With his outstanding performance in the 40 kg Jerk event, Nirav also created history by becoming the first Indian to be awarded the CMS rank, a major international recognition in the world of kettlebell sport. Winning the title of CMS in kettlebell sport has been a dream come true for Nirav Koli. This big achievement would not have been possible without the Training of his coach, Arnav Sarkar. After the event, Nirav along with the team, was hosted by the Indian Ambassador in Spain, Dinesh K Patnaik, on May 5, at the Embassy of India in Spain. Nirav is a personal trainer and group instructor in Mumbai. He plans to grow the sport in the coming years and prepare athletes for India from Mumbai to compete internationally. His motive is to build greater awareness among people about health and fitness and teach them how to use the versatile kettlebell for maximizing results. He believes that kettlebells can be used by people irrespective of their age, but must be learnt under a good IKMF is headed by its President Stephane Dauvergne. In India IKMF is represented by Arnav Sarkar. Kettlebell Sport originated in Russia and is now practiced around the world. It involves lifting a kettlebell of different weight for a set period of time. The winner is decided by bodyweight category and number of repetitions performed by the athlete. (ANI)
