As Division Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh went past the ‘Antim Pag’ at the Khetrpal Parade Ground of the tri-service training academy, she remarked how her father passed out from the same squadron as hers. Apart from being one of the first women cadets to graduate from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Daksh also clinched the silver medal and Chief of Air Staff Trophy for securing the first rank in the Bachelor of Arts stream.
First Batch of 17 Women Cadets Graduates From NDA, Representing ‘Inevitable Symbol Of Nari Shakti’
The first batch comprising 17 female cadets marched alongside over 300 male cadets in the Passing Out Parade of NDA’s 148th course.
The first batch of 17 female cadets graduated from the NDA in Pune on Friday, marking a first in the history of the Indian Armed Forces. The convocation ceremony held for the 148th NDA course had 339 candidates who were conferred with degrees.
Cadet Lucky Kumar stood first in the Bachelor of Science stream claiming the Chief of Army Staff Trophy, battalion cadet Captain Prince Kumar Kushwaha received the Chief of Naval Staff Trophy for securing first rank in the computer science branch, and academy cadet captain Udayveer Singh Negi ranked first in the Bachelor of Technology stream.
Cadet Captain Udayveer Negi commanded the parade of the 148th course.
What did Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh say?
Daksh asserted that, "The three year training here was a mix of emotions. Initially, it took some time to assimilate but gradually I got accustomed and assimilated into the academy with the help of instructors, staff. My father is also ex-NDA and from the Hunter Squadron. I am also from the same squadron. So I am carrying forward the legacy of my family," as reported by PTI.
While speaking on the occasion, her father said that, "I also passed out of this institute 30 years ago. Today, she earned more laurels by topping in academics. She will be joining IMA and I hope she will bring more laurels there as well."
Gen V K Singh, former Army Chief and current governor of Mizoram, who was the reviewing officer of the Passing out parade said that, “Today is also a uniquely significant day in the history of the academy as the first batch of female cadets pass out from the NDA. This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey towards greater inclusivity and empowerment.”
He further claimed the women to be an inevitable symbol of “Naari Shakti, embodying not just women’s development but women-led development.”
What led to the historic event?
The first batch of the women cadets joined the NDA in 2022 post assent from the Union Public Service Examination (UPSC) following a Supreme Court judgement in 2021.
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The petition was filed by Advocate Kush Kalra alleging that the exclusion of eligible and willing female candidates from the NDA to be a violation of the fundamental right to equality.
The SC issued a verdict directing the centre to allow women candidates to appear for the November 2021 NDA entrance exam stating that “gender equality issues cannot be postponed.” It also issued orders to alter medical standards tentatively and directed the UPSC to “issue a corrected notification for the November exam.”
Prior to the SC’s directive, women joined the army through other pathways like the Short Service Commission (SSC), the Military Nursing Service (MNS), NCC Special entry, among other modes.
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