Historic Graduation of Women Cadets at National Defence Academy
A Milestone Event at the NDA
New Delhi, May 30: The National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune celebrated a significant milestone on Friday with the Passing Out Parade (POP) for its 148th Course, marking the historic graduation of women cadets for the first time.
Seventeen female cadets proudly marched alongside their male peers, signifying a transformative moment in the NDA's history of cultivating military leaders for the nation.
The event was honored by the presence of Mizoram Governor and former Army Chief, General Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), who received a Guard of Honour and served as the Reviewing Officer.
During his address, General Singh celebrated this groundbreaking achievement, stating, “This represents a historic milestone in our shared journey towards inclusivity and empowerment. These young women symbolize 'Nari Shakti', reflecting not only women's development but also development led by women. I foresee a future where one of these remarkable women may ascend to the highest ranks of the service they join.”
He commended the performance of all cadets, remarking, “The cadets delivered an outstanding performance. It is an honor for me to be here. What is remarkable about the NDA is that while nothing has changed, everything has changed. The core values remain intact, evolving with the times. Today, 17 women cadets graduated, yet they blended seamlessly with their peers. This integration is a testament to the NDA's commitment to transformation in line with contemporary expectations.”
In a symbolic gesture reflecting the changing landscape of military education, General Singh unveiled a special magazine edition titled 'Breaking Barriers: Female Cadets'. This publication chronicles the journey, challenges, and accomplishments of the inaugural group of women cadets at the NDA.
Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, who also spoke to the media, highlighted the structural changes within the academy.
“This journal serves as an effort to document the transformation and the creation of space for women cadets. It details their challenges and experiences. Initially, they were accommodated separately, but now they are fully integrated. All aspects, from training to academics, have been designed to be gender-neutral and progressive,” he stated.
“Every detail has been meticulously planned, which is evident. The fact that there was no visible difference during the parade speaks volumes. This is the foundation, and a strong foundation leads to a robust structure,” he added.
A ceremonial photo session was held, showcasing the first-ever female cadets to graduate from the NDA, standing as symbols of a more inclusive future in national defense.