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The Hindu
2 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.
The Print
4 days ago
- General
- The Print
1st batch of women cadets graduates from NDA, ex-Army chief hails big step for ‘women-led development'
The court directive came on a petition filed by women aspirants, who argued that since the armed forces had opened up permanent commissions for women officers, the same opportunity should be extended to female cadets at the entry-level training institutions. This follows a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court in August 2021, which ruled that women should be allowed to appear for the NDA and Naval Academy entrance examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). New Delhi: Seventeen women cadets graduated in a historic first, alongside 322 male counterparts, from the Pune-based National Defence Academy (NDA) Friday, marking the successful passing out of the maiden co-ed batch from the tri-services institution. The NDA began admitting women in 2022. According to a statement by the defence ministry, a total of 1,341 cadets, including 336 from the graduating cohort, participated in the Passing Out Parade (POP) at the Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla. The ceremony was reviewed by General V.K. Singh (Retd), former Army chief and current Governor of Mizoram. Calling it a 'historic milestone in our collective journey towards greater inclusivity and empowerment,' Gen Singh said, 'These young women are a symbol of 'Nari Shakti', embodying not just women's development but women-led development.' Sharing their journeys, cadet Ishita Sanghwan, told ANI news agency she is the first in her family to join the armed forces. 'For the last three years, I dreamt of passing the 'anant pag' (final step). Every day here felt like a new box full of surprises and learnings. Training instilled a sense of oneness in all of us,' she said. Another cadet, Harsimran Kaur, told the agency the NDA wasn't originally part of her plans. 'I was preparing for JEE Mains and planning to give the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam when a friend informed me about the NDA opening for women. It came as a surprise.' The NDA is widely referred to as the 'cradle of leadership' as it produces officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. After completing their course at NDA, the 17 female cadets will proceed to their respective pre-commissioning training academies for the final phase of training before commissioning. During the convocation, 339 cadets, including the 17 women cadets, were conferred degrees by Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). These included 84 Bachelor of Science (BSc), 85 Computer Science, 59 Bachelor of Arts (BA), and 111 Bachelor of Technology ( degrees. Replying to a query in the Rajya Sabha earlier this year in March, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said in a written statement that a total of 126 girls from 17 states and Union Territories joined NDA since women were allowed in. Haryana topped the list with 28 women cadets, followed by Uttar Pradesh (28), Rajasthan (13) and Maharashtra (11). Punjab and Himachal Pradesh had sent five and four cadets, respectively. The first batch initially comprised 19 women, 10 selected for the Army, six for the Air Force, and three for the Navy. Seventeen of them successfully completed the rigorous three-year training. Seth also informed that adequate infrastructure and facilities had been provided for women cadets, on par with their male counterparts, to support training and ensure seamless integration. The apex court's ruling allowing women into the NDA came nearly three decades after the armed forces began inducting women as Short Service Commission (SSC) officers. It also followed the court's 2020 decision granting women SSC officers eligibility for permanent commission and command roles in the Indian Army. (Edited by Sanya Mathur) Also Read: From non-delivery of fighters to constant delays & 'black sheep', IAF chief speaks out
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
First batch of 17 women cadets graduates from NDA alongside over 300 male peers
In a historic milestone, the first batch of 17 women cadets on Friday (May 30, 2025) graduated from the Pune-based National Defence Academy (NDA), alongside over 300 male counterparts, marking the passing out of its first co-ed batch. The cadets went past the 'Antim Pag' at the Khetrpal Parade Ground of the tri-service training academy in Khadakwasla, widely known as the 'cradle of leadership'. Gen. V.K. Singh, former Army Chief and current governor of Mizoram, was the reviewing officer of the Passing Out Parade. The first batch of women cadets joined the NDA's 148th course in 2022 after the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) allowed women to apply to the defence academy following a Supreme Court direction in 2021. Academy cadet captain, Udayveer Negi, commanded the parade of the 148th course. 'Today is also a uniquely significant day in the history of the academy as the first batch of female cadets pass out from the NDA. This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey towards greater inclusivity and empowerment,' Gen. Singh said on the occasion. '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 in the service they go to,' he said.
