The Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla, Pune, served as the grand venue for the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 147th course at the National Defence Academy (NDA) this Saturday. The event was presided over by Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff, who reviewed the parade featuring 1,265 cadets, including 357 from the passing out course.
During his address at the event, Air Chief Marshal Singh emphasized the importance of the training and camaraderie the cadets experienced at the NDA. He urged them to carry forward the extensive knowledge gained at the academy to their future service academies and to maintain the bonds forged during their time at the NDA. “As young officers, the role of NDA cadets in any future conflict would be pivotal in ensuring that the enemy designs are defeated and that the territorial integrity of a great nation is not compromised,” he stated. He also highlighted the high-quality training received at the NDA, asserting that it would prepare the cadets to face forthcoming challenges with confidence and strength.
The Air Chief Marshal pointed out that the NDA is unmatched in terms of both infrastructure and training quality, granting the cadets the unique distinction of being associated with the academy for life. He noted that as future military leaders, they will be tasked with leading motivated soldiers, sailors, and air warriors, underscoring the trust that will be vested in their leadership.
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Among the graduating cadets were 215 from the Army, 301 from the Air Force, and 38 from the Navy, which included 19 cadets from various friendly foreign nations such as Bhutan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and the Maldives. Notably, a contingent of 47 female cadets, currently in their third, fourth, and fifth terms of training, also participated in the parade.
Academic accolades were awarded to exemplary cadets, including Cadet Ankit, who received the President’s gold medal for securing the first position in the Overall Order of Merit. Cadet Yuvraj Singh Chauhan earned the silver medal, while Cadet Jodha Thongiaomayum took home the bronze medal. The Golf Squadron was honored with the prestigious ‘Chiefs of Staff Banner’ for being recognized as the Champion Squadron during the parade.
The 147th course commenced its rigorous training in 2021, culminating in this ceremonious event after three years of dedicated military preparation. Graduating cadets are now set to proceed to their respective pre-commissioning training academies, with those choosing the Navy heading to the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala, Army cadets going to the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, and those selecting the Air Force joining the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
In a poignant follow-up to the parade, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh visited the Hut of Remembrance at the NDA, where he paid homage to the valiant alumni whose names are memorialized there. This memorial, constructed by the cadets from the 10th to the 17th courses, stands as a tribute to bravery, courage, and selfless service, chronicling the impressive tales of valor and sacrifice made by NDA graduates over the past seven decades.
