source: sakaltimes A total of 250 cadets of the 133rd course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, graduated from the academy after a spectacular Passing-Out-Parade (POP) held at the prestigious Khetarpal Parade Ground on Thursday morning. After three years of rigorous training, they are on the way to achieving the ideals of officers and gentlemen.
There were 152 cadets from the Army, 27 from the Navy and 71 from the Air Force. These included 14 cadets from friendly foreign countries including Afghanistan, Bhutan, Vietnam and the Maldives.
A masterly display of drill movements, synchronised with the accompanying band impressed the thousands of viewers who included proud parents, friends, relatives of cadets as well as people from Pune and other places. The haunting strains of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and the Adjutant on his charger (horse) accompanied the cadets to The Final Steps (popularly referred to as Antim Pag). In the closing moments, the mast at the Quarter Deck was manned by the cadets of the juniormost course to cheer on the passing out cadets as pass the Quarter Deck in a slow march.
Maj Gen Raimberdi Duishenbiyev, Chief of General Staff, Armed Forces of Kyrgyz Republic, was the reviewing officer for the parade and complimented the cadets for their exceptional drill movements. He mentioned the pride he felt in reviewing the parade and spoke about the friendly relations between the two countries. He made a special mention of the award winners.
He appreciated the efforts put in by the Commandant Air Marshal JS Kler, the Dy Commandant Rear Admiral SK Grewal and the officers and staff at NDA for having successfully turned boys into scholar warriors.
“I would like to emphasize the work of the mentors, who made an effort to educate and train future officers and also helped them learn the difficult ‘science of winning’ over the last three years. This prestigious military institute is training future officers for the Armed Forces of India and other friendly states, including Kyrgyzstan. Today, the armed forces of all countries in the world need young, energetic and brave military personnel equipped with modern knowledge and excellent military training. In a few years, you will serve in military units, at headquarters. Difficult but interesting service awaits you. Solving complex and responsible tasks will require a complete dedication from you, high discipline, exacting to yourself and your subordinates. You will be commanders, whose words will be followed by brave soldiers. You will lead them by your example and moral image, you will become older brothers and advisers for them. I am more than sure that you will adequately bear your mission of serving and defending the motherland,” he said.
WINNER CADETS
Academy Cadet Captain Arjun Thakur won the President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit. Divisional Cadet Captain Rahul Bisht won the Silver Medal for standing second in the overall order of merit and Battalion Cadet Captain Shashank Shekhar won the Bronze Medal for standing third in the overall order of merit. ‘November’ Squadron bagged the prestigious ‘Chiefs of Staff Banner’, for being the Champion Squadron which was ceremonially presented during the parade.
AFGHAN CONNECT
Army Cadet Masood Ahmad Amarkhair from Afghanistan is the second generation military officer who has got training in India. In 1980, his father completed training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. “Now I will also join the IMA for one year course before I get commissioned as an officer in Afghan Army. NDA is the cradle of military leadership. I made a maximum of the training here and hope to contribute to the defence forces of my country. I will not forget my coursemates here. I also have good memories of Pune especially Camp area. The weather here is pleasant throughout the year,” Masood said.
YOUNGER BROTHER IS COURSE SENIOR
Babasaheb Patil and Dadasaheb Patil, both sons of Subedar Sambhaji Patil from Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, are brothers who graduated from NDA this year. While Dadasaheb the younger brother passed out in May from 132nd course, Babasaheb from 133rd course graduated on Thursday.
“I am currently undergoing training at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Kerala. Though I am younger, I passed out from the academy before him. My and father and uncles served the Army and they inspired me to join the armed forces”, said Dadasaheb.
Babasaheb added, “Our success will inspire other youths from Maharashtra to join the forces. The rigorous training at NDA makes you an officer and gentleman.”
Their parents said they are proud of both their sons who will serve the country wholeheartedly.
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