NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY (NDA)

Life At National Defence Academy (NDA) the drums of Destiny as a few good men marshal on the rest of mankind watches in absolute awe they are the men of honor fearless and word pride in their hearts these are the men India feels proud of welcome to the world of brave hearts and our compliments to one such finest gentlemen welcome to Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma klodin leader Rakesh Sharma Cyril Rajskub hang up Katara face he bunts a product Catholics tie up a few things get together country started to have their cup Absa Premiership prom night day him where the mind is without fear and the head is held high Rabindranath Tagore I'd read these lines very early when I was a kid didn't fully understand the import till much later finds her I was looking for a career that was challenging adventurous exciting with a bit of ism something with honour where I would be able to add value to the organization I was working for and during the process realized my own potential now which would be a career which would offer me all of this I looked here and there and suddenly I found it welcome to the world of men who deserve the best and they deserve the best simply because they are the best National Defense Academy the world looks at it as one of the best places that creates men of honor an institution that has laid the highest standards of qualifying promising immense satisfaction to the cadets and prizes to be won the National Defense Academy is a unique tri-service premiere establishment which trains leaders of Armed Forces who have been at the helm both in India and abroad it has spanned over 7,000 acres and this provides the salubrious environment to train the cadets of the Armed Forces in a multi various spectrum of activities the unique thing about the academy is that cadets from the Army the Navy and the Air Force trained jointly for three whole years with no differentiation whatsoever in terms of the training they do except of course in the fifth and sixth terms when the focus rightly shifts to service training this is the kind of model which was conceived 60 years ago when buzzwords like jointless were not so well known and the fact that our founding fathers of this Academy could think of all this 60 years ago it's really a great tribute to their vision and foresight today is the great day of convocation of one of the toughest professional courses the world has known what is a possible parade and we've worked day in and day out for it each cadet has tried to hone a skill to the extent possible and the standard of drill in the Academy is truly high and it inculcates in us a sense of pride in our uniform smartness negate military bearing and of course obvious to the orders given and I hope that the exacting standards are displayed in the parade that we present in front of the parents guests and the entire career and as the chief guest arrives to see the bright young men crossed the untempered the last step which transforms them from a student to an officer will have to go back a little in time to see how it all started three years ago first Bella well nervous don't be so sure you'll soon discover friends around and believe me you will have loads of fun and the guys on the other side of the table are not that monstrous either they could perhaps sound a little critical at times but remember if you'll ever need help support and protection you should have no hesitation to run to them so get into the world of real competition valor and adventure surprise surprise don't you think if you deserve the very best you need to sacrifice a little welcome home buddy now I feel B I think now I'm looking quite more smart no hair so no oil require no home require no may require I'm looking like greeting ocean of blood cell numbers on the proud chests and as you become a part of a squadron but it's not simple to value the true meaning of being a part of a squadron meanwhile far away from home in the midst of so many unknowns life back home calls out the yellow painted room the window by the mango tree the dusty roads leading to the courtyard the village ma papa all everyone now they look so distant carry on dough rolls lobby for us immediately and all that remains vivid and overwhelmed is your newfound hope and your new relations as they call out Eagles and hunters and alphas and Bravo's the squadron's squadron just a word perhaps but for everyone else touched by its spirit squadron signifies the heart that builds the very existence the awareness that tutors the values of life a treasure that makes a cadet richer than the richest a jewel that grows in the soul and shines through the actions forever live stuff in here but here's where one learns to live here's where you make friends compete and learn the art of true sportsman spirit and this is something the cadets are allowed to take away home as a keepsake Spartan is only a big doors for us it is only the real motivation this is what squad life is all about but try telling that to a person who is pulled out of his comfort zone from home and comes here and on the very first day he loses his identity when he goes for his first haircut and then stands in front of the mirror look at his expression unforgettable and then he goes through the day catching his breath trying to cope with the physical and mental demands placed on him and towards the end of the day he somehow drags himself into bed and crashes like a sack of potatoes he asks himself is this pleasurable and then realizes the satisfaction of having gone through this day he goes to bed ready for another day at the end da you want to understand this come that's the morning call the frail little sips of the hot tea out of the plastic mugs refer to no luxury it's just the beginning of another hard-pressed day such little firm directives also serve another purpose it reminds the young cadets to keep their home in their hearts and experience the world in a way they have never done before everyone out here is a little Prince out of this kingdom ready to explore the world mark every word that each one of them repeats honesty sincerity promise are these words carrying any meaning to these kids the necessity of the words and the regulations they'll have little meaning perhaps now for the young men but these words and the discipline will get embedded in their hearts something which will become a part of their very system inch by inch these guys are made to toil put to test where they get to know who they are they get to know their strengths they will command and the character we all desire so much the instructions are harsh but willingly they follow now let's take a break it's time for breakfast as the kitchen gears up for 1,800 breakfasts it smells fantastic but that's usual and regular at NBA and the list of five courses has little impact on the expert hands at the kitchen they are oriented in serving 1800 cadets at the dining hall together three times every day battle all the way to Solaria Square and you reach a spot that remains busy around with hundreds of cycles all round the day and whoever has visited NBA is familiar with such a sight National Defense Academy the seat for the joint Services Academy of the Army Navy and Air Force an Academy which serves as the training facility for the cadets of all the three defense services of India where they are skilled to get holistically equipped with the necessary lessons before going for the next level in their respective areas of expertise the classrooms of the Academy are so impressive yet some of the most important lessons are learnt outside of it some of the lessons so invariably significant for the overall advancement of an individual and essential for future army officers are found only at the National Defense Academy apart from that they are also taught and trained in the fundamental military sciences for the first two years out of the three the cadets are trained together the third year gives them an opportunity to study the service they have already selected Army Navy or Air Force National Defense Academy boasts of the best from the teaching fraternity it is a responsibility which the teachers here at NDA discharge with complete dedication upholding the highest professional and teaching ethics sitting in this classroom brings back a flood of memories and I must say that not all of them are pleasant the education system at the National Defense Academy has captured the very essence of the ancient philosophy of education in India by following the Gurukul system and perhaps that is why it has been able to churn out such responsible individuals over the years the professor's here focus not only on producing great professionals but also good human beings this is not an easy task to handle and churn out 1800 cadets year on year they have a special gift not only do they know how to teach but they also impart knowledge not only impart knowledge but also the knowledge and how to use that knowledge for the realization of their military aims in their work sphere after lunch a cadet is allowed a timeout with himself but that is spent on his homework under the watchful eyes of the directing staff and senior cadets the evening starts with physical exercise strength a healthy body and a healthy mind is a unique combination to rarely got but widely spoken off probably there is little understanding about how much goes into bringing out such a rare combination into a reality of course at NDA it is as normal as breathing just as education is a solid foundation for what a person becomes so is knowing how to have a good time on the ground character is primarily defined with two things education and personality remember all work and no play makes one a dull boy when you reach the water you will feel one more jump that self I will do one more jump every time it's like this firstly you having heart rate anywhere just a little jumpy both Amiata autumn Vienna cutoff so comes not termina clear Cossack there go straight out there goes on about that you come to Duncan little shangri-la I'm a VJ yeah it moral support my data or niche awaited unis with a crew out there the juniors HMDA with them to fuse Morrow comes condi casapierce Kuro yeah 10 meter jump make their guesses both agree physical data akiza Mara a Kimmage formula TS yeah a tiny a quick because Victor automatically detected a word you're allowing your simply by jacket indicating salame amazingly I have got a total transformation in my body or a select Amano every muscle of embodied miracle steel on the guys can conquer anything and everything and Giannini meant a physical strength is south-south my mental strength the coffee buddy and the only truth or the secret behind the workouts at India you can say is that we guys are pushed notch by notch to discover the deeper as of all of a strength within us National Defence Academy a stage to liberate fear a podium to hold closely to the heart the unstoppable spirit of being fearless and of course equestrian the Indian army has produced many a legendary Horseman who has made India proud the wonderful beast has always been regarded as a military man's best friend and there's a horse's prayer which every man in uniform believes and respects going up the hill with me not going down the hill hurry me not when angry strike me not when sick and dying leave me not and when dead forget me not not birds but blaring horns not disciplined military men but curious city folk not the National Defense Academy but any nice civil spot of course the men in uniform do get to relax after all weekends are fun and group excursions ending and diving right into the middle of city life is something that's rather not uncommon it also looks like a quest for an oasis a modern depiction of Lawrence of Arabia as the young elegant men walked through the city and city malls curious faces look back a rare sense of respect for the Academy and its products while the cadets quite oblivious of such attention carry on the pride of being from nd a cannot be missed the cadets then start their final year in this wonderful institution the National Defense Academy by now each of them has chosen the service they would be wanting to join and this is based on their interest and aptitude on the other side training teams are waiting to receive these cadets and impart to them training specific to the chosen service be it the Army Navy or the Air Force in their sixth term cadets are exposed to specialized service training and skills which they are required to learn in order to become commissioned officers in their respective service thus as the young affiliates eager to fly queue up for gaining the much-needed familiarity with their airplanes the rest divided and gear up for training for their areas of expertise on the surface of the water or on the land the specialized service training for Air Force cadets is imparted by an expert team all Air Force cadets undergo practical training of gliding AF TT is fully equipped to provide about eight hours of flying experience to each Air Force cadet before he joins the Air Force Academy training under the Air Force training team is an awesome experience the cadets are taught the basics of aerodynamics gliding meteorology airframes and armaments and of course the much-coveted instructions in developing motor skills but today we did acrylics for the first time and was just amazing feeling I was feeling that flying is really very very big fun I felt that you're opting for fighters is still better seeing such I don't think so such adventure anyone would get anyway army training team takes care of the army cadets the specialized service training for army cadets is imparted by this team the cadets are taught section level tactics and basics of war like patrolling ambush and map reading the specialized service training for naval cadets is imparted by Naval Training team all naval cadets undergo practical training of saving at peacock Bay which is fully equipped to train naval cadets on all the aspects of boat handling wind surfing rowing and other related areas the Silence of the night is almost deafening as the imposing structure of National Defence Academy puts its feet up the cadets gear up it's time for camp tour now the team-building exercise will probably nowhere be as effectively and meticulously planned as it is in this case the motivation with which one must proceed should put one and all the members of the squad in queue and thus for one last time together shoulder to shoulder the cadets go on for one final test of strength before they separate out to their chosen field of training in this great art this is the great moment of brotherhood of true friendship that will keep the cadets motivated throughout their lives every weapon is checked loaded and checked the fearless youngsters and the we ARS get ready to march on clad in war outfits with a full Kitty intact on their backs the brave hearts indeed look commissioned already the excitement of the youthful cheer is vivid on their faces one final call and they are there already and weighing the cadets take a few final tips and off they go to the campsite the officers accompanying the young turks briefed them keeping one and all alert of enemy attacks it could be a mock war but the cadets are not on a pleasure trip and it's certainly not fun and they need to take every move critically each of the cadets takes turns to take a glimpse of the topography sketched out on a map and plan out their strategic decisions as the only time they would counter such a situation ever in their lives again would be when they will be in real battle in the process natural leaders emerge meanwhile the plebs that Air Force training base are geared up for exercise Garuda air boys get first-hand knowledge about air station procedures and the functioning of one of the world's most sophisticated fighter planes to fly the incredibly splendid sukhoi becomes every cadet dream tokyo to craft a u- s aircraft and nice in the meantime naval cadets are learning the lessons very well exercise Varuna as it is called is a foolproof conditioning camp that brings the cadets closer to reality the captain and NDA graduate probably knows best what could be in the minds of his young friends all the questions possibly he'd have otherwise shared with his master if he were a cadet with us understood their unspoken and answered voluntarily but his intuition was right each time all the way does onboard I&S vinegary of the mumbai coast the cadets exert firm effort at the bridge assignment and go through the process of becoming skilled at the decisive drills of front-line ships does in I NS vinegary cadets get a real feel of the various operations and processes that go into mastering a ship at high seas they become familiar with the duties they are supposed to shoulder in the years to come as the boat flies down over the deep blue sea the cadets get ready for lights Jack's day operation make no mistake it's not as simple as it might look getting transported over the rough sea hanging loosely from the cables could possibly be a little scary and not all fun no doubt it's adventure that a sailor so much should love or else he becomes no sailor the sailor's life is nevertheless intricate which requires perhaps a little bit of extra effort to keep the patience and smile intact that is a necessity by the time it reaches its close the cadets are already experienced in close-range anti-aircraft gum multiple silos for launching anti-submarine torpedoes and so many other things what else nothing more just load the magazines and fire of belt of bullets from the machine the touch of a weapon the truth the faces reflected all at the academy we keep pushing a carrot to achieve higher and higher heights the sky's the limit as far as their limits go moment we increase the bar the carrot achieves that bar so we make him realize that there is a potential in him and he can achieve whatever he wants to in life a complete rush in the air in the quiet of the night a patrol party is on the moon as they grab each run forward it appears as of even the leaves have been asked to hold their breath lest someone should know and while like a ghost they shift their every move every breath is being watched and then in no time the patrol party vanishes and the thin air well but this ambush was only a part of a drill exercise and now it's time for Fateh before a sport of cadets dressed in full war uniforms get ready to dig up their first taste of real battle situation their commander makes clear to the boys the complexities of weapon deployment it seems he has more than a pair of eyes though cadets avidly compete against each other to reach and be in charge of their positions while the section commander and army cadet makes a detailed report to the inspection officer the rest of them gear up for further orders it's that time when a cadet stands all alone in the middle of it all it's his belief his self-reliance and ability to stay put that will do the trick the stage is set the surround sound effect of advancing of wall vehicles shift all present to a world not quite familiar it's a world not too many would ever get to see or else the ones who will see will not ever think they would want to observe it again it's a glimpse of a world they'll not desire old men in uniform probably know the meaning of peace more than we do sitting happy in our little cozy corners but they know very well that if you want peace be prepared for war Valspar from the maddening crowd on the other side of the hills what happens is difficult to describe it is to be witnessed armored tank formation moves in machine guns raw fierce battle explodes but every soul of the Indian Armed Forces needs to be strong and brave to defend their feasts at home and thus learn every nuance of war does cadets from all the three services observe in absolute or from close quarters a demonstrative attack by an infantry company on an NDA platoon defending a heli terrain and silently watched to learn a semi controlled battle exercise codenamed Fateh as regular soldiers of the army advance NDA cadets descend from their positions to partake an opportunity to demonstrate their strategic skills it's the last time the young lads will be taught and the first time they will learn more than what is taught last time they will spin a web of imaginations the first time they will face the reality and God willing this is the last time they will see a war whatever you have seen just now and you undergone the training and during this camp is the culmination of your army training it NDF all the best and happy hunting after your commissioning thank you Fateh established it's time for the cadets to confirm they still have it in them the Josh to carry on a more than 30 kilometers run back to the India barracks with gear weighing 20 kilograms each on their backs run back Josh run here come on wallet whatever there's going to be you your stamina your endurance your team spirit and everything out here sounds incredible isn't it true the Indian Armed Forces need men who are incredible and no less and this is just another way to know that the men on whom NDA spent so much of hard work indeed deserved so does the men face yet another overwhelming test the Josh run or deal c'mon just keep running like madmen you lose your weight they know you the run is to begin in the dead of the night through the jungles and over the rivers the frigid air replicates the Glacial test and the cold hearts around it seems way too long but that's the fun of it to hold on spaced out energy and reach strong and sprightly it's not a test for fragile hearts feeble health it's for those who know the rhythm of life deep down inside us we hear the chilly voice of the night divided in small groups running through the cold of the night the boys finally make it the boys pull off what looked to them quite impossible even the previous night and they did it as the cadets reached the squadron I heard one of them say to his mates another fine job done by us it's always good to see people who take pride in job well done so this is the spirit which with the cadets leave the National Defense Academy this is the point at which they become integral with the motto which is service before self and this is the spirit which guides them every step of their way through their career a job well done indeed if only we could have given them a warm hug if only we could have told them we are so proud of you weary though fatigue fails to impair their enthusiasm next in line the obstacle test the endurance test might not have looked that terrifying taxing the nerves had it not been preceded by torna Fateh and Josh but that's the order and the exceptionally tough endurance test turns out to be even tougher true endurance test is not finally of something to do with sheer animal vigor this is much more a unique trial to figure out a cadets trust in himself self-discipline moral fiber and fortitude to conquer the insufferable a test that puts the cadet stand right in front of himself see his mirror image and judged by himself whether this is me this is what I'm looking for is this a commitment I'll be able to keep for life rest assured you'll get the answer you're looking for yeah too much grouping is good you Witter good short but the problem is that is not in the bull next time take the point of him here job is well done it's time for a cadet to send a charming goodbye letter to his beloved friend my dear bicycle thank you for being there whenever I needed you you gave me a ride when I desired so much help me get clear air relax and enjoy a wonderful time you were my only comfort I'll remember you always goodbye the measured musical March of bagpipers Academy dinner night can never be complete without the military band whose Tunes make everyone sway from side to side with the notes as the officers and cadets celebrate the prize distribution of inter squadron competitions along with the grand dinner the occasion almost looks like an invocation of a great beginning of something unusual after the party this is an occasion for merriment and thes the ball is set rolling surprisingly the places which are so commonly frequented so very often the faces those are so familiar the Sundown overlooked so simply tonight appear so special so vivid doubtless none hair will ever forget the way all these seem now on their ceiling the NBA ball which is the fallen the landmark happening of Pune with crowning of the NBA queen and mr. NBA and of course much more probably holds a lot more meaning to all the people you see here gathered it's about sharing laughter dancing and jumping in joy maybe for one last time all of them together and does the celebrations will remain incomplete if the Academy and the entire nation do not stand up to salute and express gratefulness to those parents who encourage their children to see a wonderful dream and really made it possible to realize it does today at this very moment standing at the threshold of a great new beginning it remains the utmost duty of each and every cadet to convey his heartfelt gratitude to his parents for encouraging him holding him up and letting him go for what he thought he so much deserved dear dad dear MA thank you so much for everything you were always there when I wanted you to help me guide me through the huff and cry with me you were there to love me and care and yet remained distant when it was so desired near or far the love you share still reached me rain wind lungful of air carried your love to me cuz even when you are not there I felt you were right there with me with your arms stretched out for me whispering in the air some come home does the convocation ceremony will remain incomplete without the presence of the parents it's a time of immense delight for the cadets parents and family members rejoicing every second successful cadets become the recipient of bachelor's degrees in computer science social science or science furthermore cadets with exceptional academic results get medals they will treasure for years the bugle call marks the beginning of the pass out parade and conclusion of a challenge accepted and won it's an occasion where NDA wishes good luck to a group of fine young gentlemen officers it marks the foundation of a new heater a welcome ceremony to the closing of yet another extraordinary chapter of the quest for destiny a few good men would eyes full of Dreams and the extensive expedition that furnished them the grit to be what they are today is an unbelievable story of transformation what we witnessed during the last few minutes from the first step into the NDA campus to the untempered is but the depiction of an incredible journey of a group of fine young boys who learnt to master their own fate thus they cross the untempered proudly with head held high good luck and good bye all's done the cadets ready to sign off are left with one final obligation to fulfill the convocation cannot be complete without a quiet call a call to pay homage to the heroes a homage to battles fought and won a homage to legends the legends of nd a line hearted men who became kings princes and angels by their deeds and immortal in the way they lived and the way they sacrifice their glorious lives for the nation the true spirit of nd a service before self undeniably finds its utmost meaning here is it possible to forget them the ceremonies are over the overwhelming sense of accomplishment is nothing but the manifestation of feeling associated with a fraternity for the first time in a long time their childlike exuberance overflows finding themselves really grown ups and amazing sights to delight you a wonderful occasion to let these boys scream jump and scream yell cry hop skip feel good whatever this is fitting to say boys it's your day goodbye friends keep smiling only because we know that you will be our protectors we will sleep without fear which Potocki odd log persecutor of Jana's are there or I got up became Vasa apne JK Jota or Khushi ugly geography up neighbors organs they up which han chaea possess a cushy melzack kia ora kochava mahogany Aslam a I cannot Chattahoochee jihad the causative just come me how could L just feel inferior we come to him or services cages are come up opening later article do carrier options yay up Camilla we Forge mandolin or belly keeper effort for a judge battle shogi delicate array which personal kindling up go into Zarkana Papa the Commission Chabad Hodge coffee a son who dare to adapt come caretaker pear agar disky save us at Miho tira but it's a orichalcos Santa the National Defence Academy prepares the leaders of tomorrow for a career in the Armed Forces and this career could be in any dimension it could be in the air on the land on the surface of water or indeed under the sea this a cadet could do by choosing a career in the army the Navy or indeed the Air Force a career in the Armed Forces provides a challenge to face the future as well as a spirit of adventure along with a quality of life I would only like to tell the youth of our country that if you have a spirit of adventure and would like a career with a challenge and which provides a quality of life then a future career in the Armed Forces is the career for company one Ziggy or varsity father skater Molly oh yeah it'll be pilots or sardonically pocket they'll get your birthday oh yeah Molly oh joy