Pune, November 30, 2024: The National Defence Academy (NDA), India’s premier Joint Services Training Institution and the “Cradle of Military Leadership,” celebrated the Passing Out Parade of its 147th course at the iconic Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Air Staff, reviewed the grand ceremony, which marked the culmination of three years of rigorous military training for the cadets.
The event was a moment of immense pride for the academy, the graduating cadets, and their families. A total of 1,265 cadets participated in the parade, including 357 from the passing-out course. This group comprised 215 Army cadets, 38 Naval cadets, and 104 Air Force cadets, including 19 international cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries such as Bhutan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and the Maldives. Following the parade, these cadets will proceed to their respective pre-commissioning training academies.
A notable feature of the parade was the participation of 47 female cadets currently undergoing their third, fourth, and fifth terms of training, demonstrating the academy’s commitment to inclusivity.
Recognition was given to outstanding performers during the ceremony:
Cadet Ankit received the President’s Gold Medal for securing first place in the Overall Order of Merit.
Cadet Yuvraj Singh Chauhan earned the President’s Silver Medal for second place.
Cadet Jodha Thongiaomayum was awarded the President’s Bronze Medal for third place.
Additionally, the prestigious Chiefs of Staff Banner for the Champion Squadron was awarded to Golf Squadron.
In his address, the Reviewing Officer lauded the hard work and dedication of the graduating cadets, the medal winners, and the Champion Squadron. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the parents for supporting their children in choosing the noble path of military service. Air Chief Marshal Singh also urged the cadets to embrace the spirit of jointness in their future roles and highlighted the critical role of technology in the ongoing revolution in military affairs.