First batch of 17 women cadets pass out from NDA with 300 male counterparts

In a historic moment, the first batch of 17 women cadets graduated alongside 300 male counterparts from the Pune-based National Defence Academy (NDA) on Friday. Marking the passing out of the first co-ed batch, the cadets went past ‘Antim Pag’ at the Khetrpal Parade Ground of the tri-service training academy in Khadakwasla. Academy cadet captain, Udayveer Negi, commanded the parade of the 148th course, with former army chief and current governor of Mizoram, General VK Singh as the reviewing officer of the Passing Out Parade.

The first batch of women cadets during a passing out parade of 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), in Pune, Maharashtra, on Friday,(PTI)

“This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey towards greater inclusivity and empowerment,” Gen Singh said on the occasion. Calling the young women as “Nari Shakti", he said that they embody “not just women’s development but women-led development”.