Pune: NDA’s 145th Course Celebrates Grand Passing Out Parade Under Presidential Gaze, Women Cadets Also Participate

Khadakwasla, 30th November 2023: The Passing Out Parade of the 145th Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla witnessed a distinguished guest today as the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presided over the event. In addition to reviewing the parade, President Murmu laid the foundation stone for a new building, earmarked for the upcoming 5th Battalion.

Addressing the gathering, the President emphasized the NDA’s role as a cradle of leadership, birthing exceptional warriors. Recognized as one of the country’s premier training institutes, the Academy stands tall as a robust pillar supporting the armed forces and the nation.

President Murmu expressed her conviction that the training and values instilled at the NDA serve as enduring guides for cadets throughout their lives. Encouraging them to embrace new technologies, she advised the cadets to face future challenges with a blend of courage and adaptability while upholding the cherished values of the Armed Services.

An historic moment unfolded as President Murmu witnessed the inclusion of women cadets in the passing out parade for the first time. She hailed this milestone as a true testament to history in the making and expressed confidence that these women cadets would elevate the country and the NDA to unprecedented heights in the future.

Highlighting the critical importance of safeguarding India’s borders and ensuring internal security for peace, stability, and prosperity, the President underscored the nation’s commitment to the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’ Simultaneously, she emphasized the preparedness and capability of the armed forces to address any external or internal threats that may challenge the unity and integrity of the country.

LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu reviews the Passing Out Parade of 145th Course of National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla https://t.co/TstlwgjKXm

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 30, 2023

The National Defence Academy is the country’s premier Joint Services Training Institution and in true sense a ‘Cradle of Military Leadership’. As NDA celebrates the 75th glorious year of its inception, it is a matter of pride for the 145th Course to pass out this year. The 145th course was inducted in Dec 2020 and today after completion of three years of rigorous military training the cadets passed out in a grand ceremonial event.

The Passing Out Parade of 145th Course was conducted at Khetarpal Parade Ground, NDA, Khadakwasla.

A total of 1225 cadets participated in the parade of which 348 cadets were from the passing out course. This included 186 Army cadets, 36 Naval cadets and 105 Air Force cadets including 21 cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries (Bhutan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Sudan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar & Bangladesh). The cadets will hereafter join their respective Pre-Commissioning Training Academics. The parade was also historic for the fact, that for the first time contingent of 15 female cadets, presently in their third term of training took part in the parade.

BCC Pratham Singh won the President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit. ACA Jatin Kumar won the President’s Silver Medal for standing second in the overall order of merit and BCA Harsh Wardhan Shailesh Bhonsle won the President’s Bronze Medal for standing third in the overall order of merit. ‘Juliet’ Squadron bagged the prestigious ‘Chiefs of Staff Banner’, for being the Champion Squadron which was presented during the parade.

The President congratulated the passing out course cadets, medal winners and the Champion Squadron for their hard work and overwhelming performances. She congratulated the female cadets on choosing the profession of arms and expressed her happiness on witnessing the first batch of female cadets take part in the passing out parade. Even though the nation believes in the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam’, the President of India asserted that, the armed forces of the nation are ready and competent to tackle any aggressor.

On completion of this Passing Out Parade, the president of India, Droupadi Murmu paid homage to the brave hearts whose names are etched in the hallowed precincts of The Hut of Remembrance. The Hut of Remembrance was constructed by the cadets of 10th to 17th Course NDA and has since then been a symbol of bravery, courage and selfless services. The walls of this hallowed memorial recite the sagas of undaunted courage, valour and innumerable sacrifices made by the allumunus of National Defence Academy over the last 75 years.

The event was also attended by Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff and Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM, Commandant, NDA.

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu released a Commemorative Coin, Postal Stamp and First Day Cover of NDA as part of the 75 Glorious Years Celebrations of this iconic institution. The coin is of Rs 75 denomination, which is issued by the Govt of India Mint, Hyderabad. The stamp is of Rs five denomination. Both the stamp and the first day cover have been issued by the Department of Posts. The Hon’ble President of India interacted with the medal winners and parents of cadets of the Passing Out Course. The event was followed by laying of foundation stone for the No 5 Battalion by The Hon’ble President of India.

On 16 January 2024, as NDA completes it’s 75 glorious years in the service to the nation, It remains committed to maintaining the highest traditions and toughest standards of its training and rededicates its unflinching commitment to the nation on this momentous occasion.