In a first for India’s armed forces, the batch of 17 women cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune on Friday. This historic event marked the culmination of the 148th course at the tri-service training academy in Khadakwasla, with the cadets marching past the symbolic ‘Antim Pag’ at the Khetrpal Parade Ground.
Former Army Chief and current Governor of Mizoram General VK Singh reviewed the Passing Out Parade and hailed the occasion as a “historic milestone in our collective journey towards greater inclusivity and empowerment”. Referring to the women cadets as “Nari Shakti”, he praised them for exemplifying not just women’s development but “women-led development”.
A total of 339 cadets were conferred degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). These included 84 Bachelor of Science degrees, 85 degrees in Computer Science, 59 Bachelor of Arts degrees and 111 Bachelor of Technology degrees.
Division cadet Shriti Daksh made history by becoming the first female cadet to win the Silver Medal and the Chief of Air Staff Trophy for topping the BA stream. Daksh described the three-year training as an emotional rollercoaster. “It took some time to adjust in the beginning, but with the constant support of instructors and staff, I gradually found my footing,” HT quoted her as saying. Daksh, whose father is also an ex-NDA officer from the same squadron, said she is continuing the family legacy.
Other top honors included Lucky Kumar, who received the Chief of Army Staff Trophy in the BSc stream; battalion cadet captain Prince Kumar Kushwaha, who topped Computer Science; and academy cadet captain Udayveer Singh Negi, who led the parade and excelled in B.Tech.
This historic batch of women cadets joined the NDA in August 2022 after a Supreme Court ruling in 2021 allowed women to sit for the NDA entrance exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Entry to the NDA remains merit-based, with no special quotas for gender or region.