New Delhi, June 12: Saturday marks a historic day for the Indian Army and women in the country. For the first time, the first batch of female cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) will graduate and be commissioned as officers. At the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, nine female cadets will join the Indian Army as officers, while five female cadets from the Dundigal Air Force Academy in Hyderabad will be commissioned into the Indian Air Force.
Previously, the NDA was closed to women. However, following a Supreme Court ruling in June 2022, women were allowed to enter the NDA. The passing out parade at the IMA will be reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the ceremony at the Dundigal Air Force Academy.
This year, a total of 515 cadets will graduate from the IMA, including 34 foreign cadets from 16 countries. Among them are the nine female cadets from the first NDA batch.
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force’s 217th course will see a total of 231 flight cadets completing pre-commissioning training, which includes 194 men and 37 women. Of these, five are from the first female NDA batch.
The Combined Graduation Parade will feature impressive displays, including performances by Sukhoi fighter jets, the Sarang helicopter display team, and the Surya Kiran aerobatic team. Notably, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh will pilot one of the nine aircraft in the Surya Kiran team during their performance.
Last month, on the 30th anniversary of the Surya Kiran squadron, known as the ‘Ambassador’ of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh also flew the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft.
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