PUNE: The first batch of 17 women National Defence Academy (NDA) cadets passed out Friday, scripting a new chapter in the annals of the Indian Armed Forces.Unlike previous parades during their three years at the academy, when they had a separate contingent, the 17 marched with male cadets at the Pune academy’s Arun Khetarpal Parade Grounds, indistinguishable from their military crew haircut and confident stride.The passing-out parade (PoP) marked a culmination of the hard work, determination, motivation and high standards of physical fitness. The women, part of a total of 336 cadets who passed out, celebrated later with a “push-up” competition.Former Army chief and Mizoram governor V K Singh, who reviewed the parade, described it as a unique moment in NDA’s history. “These young women are the inimitable symbol of nari shakti, embodying not just women’s development but women-led development. I envision a future not far from now when one of these women rises to the highest echelon of the service they go to. The moment shows the uniqueness of the NDA as we could not distinguish male and female cadets during the parade,” said Singh, who passed out of NDA in 1969.Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi, who commanded the parade, echoed the views. “The women cadets performed well. They outshone male cadets in many aspects,” Negi said.The hours-long rehearsals for the parade in scorching heat and rain culminated with impressive results, said Ishita Singh, one of the women cadets. “PoP is one of the most important events in military life. I always wanted to celebrate this occasion in front of my parents and dear ones. Today, I could fulfil my wish,” Ishita told TOI.According to NDA commandant Gurcharan Singh, when girls first came to the academy, they were staying separately. “Today, they are integrated completely with squadrons and battalions. They are running, playing and training together. Every activity is gender-neutral,” Gurcharan said.The parents could not be more delighted. “My daughter is not only mine now. She is the daughter of the nation. She is our only daughter. When she decided to join NDA, we supported her. She was inspired by her grandfather, who had served in the Army,” said Ashok Mehalan, father of cadet Sheetal Mehalan and businessman from Rohtak in Haryana.According to C Sangwan, father of cadet Ishita, his daughter has given him “a new identity”. “When we got to know about entry for women in NDA, we asked her to submit her form 20 days before the exam. She cleared it. Today, she proved her mettle and made us very proud,” said Sangwan, who hails from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan.Ajit Duhan, father of Ritul Duhan, the first Battalion Cadet Captain of the women’s batch, fell “short of words to praise her achievement”. “Her personality has changed completely – a total transformation,” Ajit said.
