The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 147th course – the Autumn Term of 2024 – of the National Defence Academy (NDA) was held at the Khetarpal Parade Ground in Pune's Khadakwasla on Saturday. The parade was reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
The 147th course was inducted in 2021, and after completion of three years of rigorous military training, the cadets passed out in a grand ceremonial event.
A total of 1,265 cadets participated in the parade, of which 357 cadets were from the passing out course. This included 215 army cadets, 38 naval cadets, and 104 air force cadets, including 19 cadets from friendly foreign countries (Bhutan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia and Maldives).
The cadets will now join their respective pre-commissioning training academics. This includes the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala; the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun for the Army; and the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, Hyderabad.
A contingent of 47 female cadets, presently in their third, fourth and fifth term of training, also took part in the parade.
Cadet Ankit won the President's Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit. Cadet Yuvraj Singh Chauhan was awarded the President's Silver Medal for standing second in the overall order of merit, and cadet Jodha Thongiaomayum won the President's Bronze Medal for standing third in the overall order of merit. The Golf Squadron bagged the prestigious 'Chiefs of Staff Banner' for being the Champion Squadron, which was presented during the parade.
Speaking on the occasion, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh urged the passing-out cadets to carry the bonds created at the academy towards the planning and execution of operations.
"NDA is not only the cradle of leadership but also a cradle of jointmanship. The vast experience of joint training at the NDA needs to be carried forward to the respective service academies. And the bonds created here are to be carried towards the planning and execution of our operations," he said. "I am confident that you will all don the mantle of jointness as proudly as your service uniforms," he added.
Later, in a solemn ceremony at the Hut of Remembrance, Singh paid homage to the brave hearts whose names are etched in the hallowed precincts. The Hut of Remembrance was constructed by the cadets of the 10th to 17th course and has since then been a symbol of bravery, courage, and selfless service. The walls of this hallowed memorial recite the sagas of undaunted courage, valour and innumerable sacrifices made by the alumni of the NDA over the last seven decades.
As a prelude to the PoP, a cadets' activity display exhibiting exceptional standards of skills acquired through various aspects of military training was conducted at Bombay Stadium on Friday. It involved spectacular, awe-inspiring acts of combat and adventure. The event showcased an ensemble of 275 cadets and 38 horses displaying high standards of training, complete synchronisation of actions and physical excellence.
The audience witnessed a display of jointness involving a synchronised tri-services attack demo followed by a daring and fearless equestrian show by the cadets, which left everyone spellbound and awestruck. This was succeeded by a display of audacious and breathtaking skydiving by the elite Akash Ganga Team. The cadets then displayed their physical training standards in a well-coordinated and exhilarating sequence comprising skipping rope exercises and gymnastic manoeuvres. This was followed by an outstanding display of a musical ride by the Equestrian Team, which captivated the audience. The event ended with the tableau formation bidding adieu to the 147th course by the High Horse Team.
