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 2nd 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.
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| Motto: सेवा परमो धर्मः (Service Before Self) |
Students, referred as Cadets, are selected after their 12th
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 6th term, ready
to take on any challenge.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Horse-Shoe shaped Entrance - a befitting symbol for the Equitation Training Team |
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| Memorial of the Horses |
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| Inside a stable |
This ETT is managed by 61st 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.
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| Inside Habibulla Hall |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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 6th
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.
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| Jai Hind |
