PASSING OUT PARADE OF 145th COURSE
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 on 30 Nov 2023. The parade was reviewed by Smt Droupadi Murmu, The Hon’ble President of India. It was a matter of immense pride and honour for the academy, the cadets and their parents. The occasion will forever be etched in the history of the Academy in golden letters.
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 Hon’ble 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 Hon’ble 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 Hon’ble president of India, Smt 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 Shri Ramesh Bais, Hon’ble 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 Hon’ble President of India, Smt 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.