After both his paternal and maternal grandfathers, both parents, and a brother, Cadet Ritwik Pandey is ready to join the defence forces as he is set to begin a new chapter by joining the Indian Air Force Academy in July 2025 to pursue his dream of becoming a fighter pilot.
Cadet Ritwik Pandey of the 148th Course graduated from the prestigious Juliet Squadron of the National Defence Academy (NDA) on May 29, marking a proud milestone in a family deeply rooted in military tradition.
Marking a historic moment for women in Indian armed forces, the first batch of 17 female cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) here on Thursday and were conferred degrees along with more than 300 male cadets.
The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 148th course will be held at the NDA on May 30.
The convocation ceremony of 148th NDA course was held at the academy, widely known as the "cradle of leadership", which provides officers to the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
This achievement holds special significance as Cadet Ritwik follows in the footsteps of his father, Brigadier Ram Prakash Pandey, who passed out from the same squadron with the 83rd Course in December 1992. Continuing the family legacy, Ritwik’s elder brother, Major Rishi Pandey, graduated with the 138th Course in June 2020.
Third generation in defence
A third-generation member of a distinguished defence family, Cadet Ritwik’s lineage reflects an unwavering commitment to national service. His mother, Major Rekha Tripathi, is a veteran officer who completed her training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, in 1996. Together, the Pandey family exemplifies the highest ideals of discipline, service, and patriotism.
While the rest of the family has served in the Indian Army, Ritwik is set to add a new dimension to the family’s rich military heritage by joining the Air Force.
Speaking to the Free Press Journal, Brigadier Ram Prakash Pandey expressed his joy as both his boys followed in his footsteps. "It's a moment of great pride as both my sons have followed my footsteps. Me and my elder son are serving in the Army and he's the boy who's going to fly. I'm in the service so I won't be able to give more details but me and my wife are proud parents. My wife also served the nation, and because earlier for women it was a short service commission, she served the country for 12 years. Also, as working parents, we really didn't get much time to actually guide them through. It was their keen interest and sheer determination that they excelled and came out with flying colours. My father served in the Army, then me and my brother joined the service, and now both my sons are following the tradition. My wife and her father also served in the Army. So it's in our blood, and I'm glad that three of us passed from the same squadron. My only vote of advice to him is to be a good pilot and a good human being."
