nda turns 60
From: Mrityunjay Bose
After returning from Khadakwasla
NDA@ 60 years
"Our great nation can advance only if we are united. Our Army, our Navy, our Air Force draw their men from all parts of the country and are a symbol of unity and homogeneity, I wish all could imbibe that spirit."
These were the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, at the first Passing-out-Parade of the National Defence Academy (NDA) which he termed as a "Monument in the Making".
Nestled in the picturesque Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, the NDA located in Khadakwasla near Pune, has turned out to be one of the finest military training centres of the world. The records speak for itself: as many as 30,000 of NDA's alumni had joined the armed forces and it includes nearly 1,600 cadets from friendly foreign countries. The NDA, popularly known as 'Cradle of Military Leadership', has lived up to the true spirit of its motto – 'seva parmo dharma' (service before self).
Interestingly, the Sinhgadh fort is visible to the cadets from the NDA, spread over several acres of land. The young boys also draw inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of the greatest-ever military strategists.
"It trains the young boys into military leaders who have time and again proved their caliber in the service to the nation," says Air Marshal T S Randhava, Commandant of NDA. Over the years, it has only grown and the academy will turn 60 on January 16, 2009. The diamond jubilee year is truly important for India's military strategists and cadets alike.
"The alumni of this institution constitute the core of leadership of the Indian Armed Forces. The intrepid cadets of yesteryears have not only proved their mettle as military leaders in combat but also blazed a trail of glory in several other fields across the national firmament. NDA today symbolizes excellence in every pursuit. The tidy acre of its vast estate reflects the highest standards that the institution has embraced as the foundation and core of its beliefs. Of what it is, and what it aspires to be, all of us, you, I and indeed all our countrymen can be proud of," points out Air Marshal Randhava.
Ex-cadets of NDA who had passed out has reached heights of all arena – be it in sailing, sports, mountaineering, crossing deserts, reaching poles, riding or reaching space. Some had even marveled in politics. This sums up the achievements of the academy. The achievers list is long – it has received three Param Vir Chakras, the highest gallantry award.
The selection process too is that tough. Nearly three lakh appear for the examinations, and about 300 make it to the academy every six months. While end-December, nearly 250 cadets join; end-June nearly 350 cadets make it. "We get an average of 300 cadets every six months," says Air Marshal Randhava. However, now given the shortfall of officers in the armed forces by over 10,000, there are plans to increase intake by 120 cadets. The proposal is currently with the government. As regards the cost of training, the government incurs Rs 7,075 per cadets per week and the course runs for three years. From here they branch out to the three services and get their commission.
The history behind the setting up of the NDA too is unique. Nehru laid the foundation stone on October 6, 1949; however, it was Morarji Desai who inaugurated. On December 16, 1978, it received the President's colours – yet another laurel. As regards, selection of Pune to house the academy is concerned, a major thought process has gone into it. When the idea of the NDA was conceived, the major contenders were Marve in Mumbai (then Bombay), Karachi (now in Pakistan), Poona (now Pune), Bangalore (now Bengalaru), Lahore (now in Pakistan), Dehradun, Bengaum, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Deolali (in Nashik), Puri and Secunderabad.
However, Pune won the chance! The factors that went for it were nearness to sea, proximity to airfield, vicinity of military establishments and a temperate climate. And also intense lobbying and frenetic political heat. The estimated capital cost was Rs 6.5 crore – a sum that one may not believe today, for such a temple of excellence.
The training pattern too is unique: After joining the NDA following their 10+2 Examination, the cadets are trained in the academy for three years culminating into graduation in B.A/B.Sc. or B. Sc. (Computer Science) degree of Jawaharlal Nehru University. Apart from academic training they are also trained in outdoor skills, like Drill, PT and games. The emphasis in NDA is on character building, esprit-de-corps, mental and physical robustness, leadership and a sense of keen observation. The academic year is divided into two terms, viz. Spring Term (January to May) and Autumn Term (July to December). Here a cadet has to undergo training for a total of six terms before he passes out from NDA.
This visiting 'The Herald' correspondent also spoke to a large number of instructors and cadets while on a day-long visit. "The knowledge that the cadets get here, is comprehensive," says Major Pratap Singh, NDA's Public Relations Officer.
"I wanted to join the Army, basically I am from a Sainik School. I can't give any specific reason, but just that I love the Army, wanted to join, and made it," says a cadet, who would pass next year. While a majority of them would make into the Army, there are others who live to fly or venture into ocean. "Definitely, life is tough, but it is the way of life," says a young lad as he comes out after a flying sortie on his Super Dimona. On the other hand, the majestic lake at Peacock Bay attracts them – they are the men who will venture into the oceans. "Sea attracts me," points out a cadet.
After returning from Khadakwasla
NDA@ 60 years
"Our great nation can advance only if we are united. Our Army, our Navy, our Air Force draw their men from all parts of the country and are a symbol of unity and homogeneity, I wish all could imbibe that spirit."
These were the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, at the first Passing-out-Parade of the National Defence Academy (NDA) which he termed as a "Monument in the Making".
Nestled in the picturesque Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, the NDA located in Khadakwasla near Pune, has turned out to be one of the finest military training centres of the world. The records speak for itself: as many as 30,000 of NDA's alumni had joined the armed forces and it includes nearly 1,600 cadets from friendly foreign countries. The NDA, popularly known as 'Cradle of Military Leadership', has lived up to the true spirit of its motto – 'seva parmo dharma' (service before self).
Interestingly, the Sinhgadh fort is visible to the cadets from the NDA, spread over several acres of land. The young boys also draw inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of the greatest-ever military strategists.
"It trains the young boys into military leaders who have time and again proved their caliber in the service to the nation," says Air Marshal T S Randhava, Commandant of NDA. Over the years, it has only grown and the academy will turn 60 on January 16, 2009. The diamond jubilee year is truly important for India's military strategists and cadets alike.
"The alumni of this institution constitute the core of leadership of the Indian Armed Forces. The intrepid cadets of yesteryears have not only proved their mettle as military leaders in combat but also blazed a trail of glory in several other fields across the national firmament. NDA today symbolizes excellence in every pursuit. The tidy acre of its vast estate reflects the highest standards that the institution has embraced as the foundation and core of its beliefs. Of what it is, and what it aspires to be, all of us, you, I and indeed all our countrymen can be proud of," points out Air Marshal Randhava.
Ex-cadets of NDA who had passed out has reached heights of all arena – be it in sailing, sports, mountaineering, crossing deserts, reaching poles, riding or reaching space. Some had even marveled in politics. This sums up the achievements of the academy. The achievers list is long – it has received three Param Vir Chakras, the highest gallantry award.
The selection process too is that tough. Nearly three lakh appear for the examinations, and about 300 make it to the academy every six months. While end-December, nearly 250 cadets join; end-June nearly 350 cadets make it. "We get an average of 300 cadets every six months," says Air Marshal Randhava. However, now given the shortfall of officers in the armed forces by over 10,000, there are plans to increase intake by 120 cadets. The proposal is currently with the government. As regards the cost of training, the government incurs Rs 7,075 per cadets per week and the course runs for three years. From here they branch out to the three services and get their commission.
The history behind the setting up of the NDA too is unique. Nehru laid the foundation stone on October 6, 1949; however, it was Morarji Desai who inaugurated. On December 16, 1978, it received the President's colours – yet another laurel. As regards, selection of Pune to house the academy is concerned, a major thought process has gone into it. When the idea of the NDA was conceived, the major contenders were Marve in Mumbai (then Bombay), Karachi (now in Pakistan), Poona (now Pune), Bangalore (now Bengalaru), Lahore (now in Pakistan), Dehradun, Bengaum, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Deolali (in Nashik), Puri and Secunderabad.
However, Pune won the chance! The factors that went for it were nearness to sea, proximity to airfield, vicinity of military establishments and a temperate climate. And also intense lobbying and frenetic political heat. The estimated capital cost was Rs 6.5 crore – a sum that one may not believe today, for such a temple of excellence.
The training pattern too is unique: After joining the NDA following their 10+2 Examination, the cadets are trained in the academy for three years culminating into graduation in B.A/B.Sc. or B. Sc. (Computer Science) degree of Jawaharlal Nehru University. Apart from academic training they are also trained in outdoor skills, like Drill, PT and games. The emphasis in NDA is on character building, esprit-de-corps, mental and physical robustness, leadership and a sense of keen observation. The academic year is divided into two terms, viz. Spring Term (January to May) and Autumn Term (July to December). Here a cadet has to undergo training for a total of six terms before he passes out from NDA.
This visiting 'The Herald' correspondent also spoke to a large number of instructors and cadets while on a day-long visit. "The knowledge that the cadets get here, is comprehensive," says Major Pratap Singh, NDA's Public Relations Officer.
"I wanted to join the Army, basically I am from a Sainik School. I can't give any specific reason, but just that I love the Army, wanted to join, and made it," says a cadet, who would pass next year. While a majority of them would make into the Army, there are others who live to fly or venture into ocean. "Definitely, life is tough, but it is the way of life," says a young lad as he comes out after a flying sortie on his Super Dimona. On the other hand, the majestic lake at Peacock Bay attracts them – they are the men who will venture into the oceans. "Sea attracts me," points out a cadet.
Comments