In a momentous event underscoring the evolving landscape of India’s armed forces, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune held the convocation ceremony for its 148th course today. The occasion was particularly historic as it celebrated the graduation of over 300 cadets, including the academy’s first-ever batch of 17 female cadets, signaling a significant stride toward gender inclusivity in military leadership.
Presiding over the ceremony as Chief Guest was Prof (Dr) Poonam Tandon, Vice Chancellor of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University. A noted physicist and proponent of educational reforms under the National Education Policy 2020, her presence highlighted the NDA’s commitment to academic excellence alongside military training.
Degrees, awarded through Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), spanned disciplines such as Science, Computer Science, and Social Sciences. Among the standout performers were Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi (BTech), Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwah (Computer Science), Cadet Lucky Kumar (Science), and Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh, a member of the pioneering female cohort, who topped the Arts stream.
Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, NDA Commandant, congratulated all graduates and emphasized the significance of the inclusion of women at the academy. He expressed confidence in their future roles as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, calling the moment a milestone for the institution and the country.
The event took place at the iconic Habibullah Hall, adorned with the NDA emblem and national flags. Cadets received degrees, certificates, and trophies in a formal ceremony attended by proud families and senior military officials. A commemorative group photograph, featuring the graduating cadets in ceremonial attire alongside faculty and officers, captured the spirit and pride of the occasion.
The convocation sets the stage for the Passing Out Parade (POP) scheduled on May 30, where General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff and current Governor of Mizoram, will serve as Reviewing Officer. The POP will mark the official commissioning of the cadets into the armed forces, concluding their three-year training journey at the NDA.
This landmark convocation not only celebrated academic and military achievements but also showcased the NDA’s progressive role in shaping inclusive, dynamic leaders for the future, united by the enduring motto: “Service Before Self.”
