National Defense Academy – Cradle of Indian Military Leadership

NDA as it is generally referred as, National Defense Academy is the World’s first Tri-Services Academy; combined academy for Army, Navy and Air Force. It was established immediately after India’s Independence; plans of which, however, were conceptualized some time during the 2^nd World War in British India. A Joint Services Wing (JSW) was established in 1949 at Dehradun which was later shifted to Khadakwasla near Pune in 1954, which we now know as the NDA.

Motto: सेवा परमो धर्मः
(Service Before Self)

Students, referred as Cadets, are selected after their 12^th standard through an examination conducted through UPSC. There are some entries through NCC also. There are feeder academies like RIMC (Rashtriya Indian Military College) and Sainik Schools (e.g. Bhosala Military School, Satara) where the students are prepared for their entry into the NDA.

Cadets come from all walks of life, irrespective of their caste, religion, financial situation and societal status. Selection happens only on based on merit of the individual; no recommendations work here. Student displaying high amount of OLQs (Officer Like Qualities) have a potential to become an Officer. About 30,000 students participate for examinations every term (every 6 months), approx. 3000 get selected for SSB (Service Selection Board) stage. Only 300 among them are selected as NDA Cadets; about 40 among them for Air Force, while 20 to Navy.

At the end of their 3 years (6 terms) at NDA, Cadets go for further specialized training in their respective Academies – Army Cadets to Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), Air Force Cadets to Air Force Academy (Dundigal, near Hyderabad) and Naval Cadets to Indian Naval Academy (Kerala).

Cadets when come to NDA, are from multiple locations across India. They speak different languages. But after their 6 terms in NDA they walk out speaking the one language – Language of The Forces; with only one aim à to protect India from external as well as internal threats. Since Cadets from all three Forces from various parts of India train together, they make a bond for life. It serves as a significant prologue to continued tri-service camaraderie and esprit-de-corps. The Senior-Junior and Peer Relationships are sustained till eternity.  Ex-NDA remains an identity for these Officers when they are commissioned in their respective Units and even beyond after they retire. The Squadrons and Battalions assigned to them after their entry into NDA, remains with them for life.

There are 18 Squadrons (from A to R – Alpha, Bravo, …, Quebec, Romeo). These are further divided into 5 Battalions. Cadets stay in the buildings of their respective Squadrons. They come from different regions, speak different languages, and have varying abilities. But they bond in their Squadron where their camaraderie is forged. The Squadron spirit is inculcated and nurtured throughout their stay. They fight a healthy competition to keep the name of their Squadron flying high.

This bond and respect within each other make these Officers such that they are ready to even die for their Seniors’ Orders (Supreme Sacrifice). These Officers are made to toil hard during their tenure. They are made to do all kinds jobs and activities which may be required during hostile situations in war. An Officer would never order a task to his Jawans which he himself cannot do. They are taught to lead by example. That is the reason Indian Army is one of those dignified Armies in the World that has high number of injuries and casualties of Officers during an Operation or War. They lead from the front.

Cadets receive a basic degree of B.Sc. They are taught Science, Maths and multi linguistic (foreign languages) subjects. They are taught about Table Manners and Etiquettes as well. Then there is a hard-core training of the Forces and then their specialization (Army, Navy or Air Force). Cadets are molded into Officers at the end of their 6^th term, ready to take on any challenge.

STD Booths for Cadets to speak with their families

Heritage India had arranged a visit to this iconic Academy. And to add up to the party, was presence of Major General Rasquinha as our guide. All the information which is mentioned in this blog is because of his immense knowledge and experience.

We started from Pune at 9 am and reached the Tri-Shakti Gate of NDA by around 10 am. Tri-Shakti Gate was constructed in 2006 to mark the Golden Jubilee celebration of NDA. This is symbolic for being a Tri-Services Academy.

After basic entry formalities and a photo-op, we entered inside. This was moment of pride for us. Most us were first one’s entering this iconic institute of National Importance.

Tri-Shakti Gate

We directly went for the Equitation Training Team – in simple terms Horse Riding. The basic idea of Horse Riding Training is that, if you can control an animal, you can very well handle tough situations and command men under you. There are various genres of Horse Riding - Lane Lumping, Dressage, Cross Country, Bare-back riding. There are about 175 horses. There is also an Indoor Riding Arena which is useful during rainy season.

Horse-Shoe shaped Entrance -
a befitting symbol for the Equitation Training Team

Memorial of the Horses

Inside a stable

This ETT is managed by 61^st Cavalry Regiment of Indian Army. This is World’s only operational Cavalry Unit. They form the President’s Body Guard, which we see every year during Republic Day Parade.

From here we went to Habibulla Hall. It is named after the first Commandant of NDA. It is an auditorium cum Stage of the NDA. Multiple functions happen here, apart from movie screenings. They showed us a film by Discovery about NDA and life of the Cadets. This film further imparted us with many insights. The same building also houses a Museum at the back which displays mementos and medals received from other Countries.

Inside Habibulla Hall

Friendly Countries whose Cadets are also trained here

Next to this Hall is the main building of NDA, the Sudan Block. It is the main administration building and houses the Office the NDA Commandant at the top floor. Sudanese Government had donated some amount to the British Indian Government as a token of gratitude in exchanged of the Army’s support in its Liberation. This money was utilized in building of the NDA. Hence the name Sudan Block.

Sudan Block

The Sudan Block is the iconic symbol of NDA. Colossal Dome at the top and lined-up arches below making a giant façade appears this building to be vastly spread out. Line of steps takes you to the main entrance at the centre of the arch-line. Above are Four Flags slanted up (Army, Navy, Air Force and of NDA). Massive insignia of the academy on both sides catch the eye.

View from the platform (after climbing the steps) down below is awesome. The straight road running down with trees on both sides and an Ashok Stambha at the cross-road in between reminds of the Raj Path running from Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.

View from the platform -
Ashok Stambh, road running down straight
with Fort Sinhagad at the backdrop

Inside the building, below the Dome is the memorial of all those Officers (ex-NDA Cadets) who laid down their lives in service of the Nation. Also, there is the list of awardees who received Param Veer Chakra, Ashok Chakra, etc. Photography is not permitted here.

From here we went to see the Cadet’s Mess. This is another highlight of the Academy after Sudan Block. This is said to the Asia’s largest Mess wherein 2100 people can sit at a time. This is one of exclusive symbols of solidarity and brotherhood among Cadets; where they break the bread together. Veg and Non-Veg seating is identified. Made to order food is also served; and mind-you within the super strict time schedule. Table manners and eating etiquettes are taught to the Cadets here.

The interior, with RED as the highlight color, is mostly a wooden structure with a Peshwai Style of structural design. The Pillars are mounted with photos of the President of India, the NDA Commandant and the Three Chiefs of Armed Forces. Also decorated with flags of the friendly countries whose Cadets are also trained here. Aesthetically mounted are the weapons, Squadron Flags, Paintings and Banners.

Also lined-up are the frames of the Menu prepared during each of the guests who visited this Mess – like Heads of State of various Countries. During Passing-Out-Parade of the Cadets after their 6^th term, their parents get an honor to have food in this Mess with them.

At the entrance is an empty table with a chair leaned on it. On the table a dish is laid out and a rose and a candle is kept. This is in remembrance of those NDA Alumni who are listed as Missing In Action (MIA). The Academy still awaits their return to their motherland. This was unique and a gloomy moment.

Photography is not allowed inside the Mess as well.

This was the end of our half day NDA visit. Post lunch at the Cafeteria, we moved for our return journey by 2 pm.

Pune is renowned for many heritage sites and modern architecture. However, every Indian visiting Pune should pay a visit to this Heritage of National Importance which is truly the Cradle of Indian Military Leadership. Visitors can visit NDA on Sundays. Details are provided in their website here.

Jai Hind