Dehradun, June 13: President Droupadi Murmu inspected the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and the 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun on Saturday. This day is particularly significant for the Indian Army and the nation’s women, as the first female batch of cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) graduated as officers.
At the IMA Passing Out Parade, nine female cadets from the NDA’s inaugural female batch will join the Indian Army as officers. Additionally, five female cadets from the Indian Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, will receive commissions in the Air Force. Until recently, the NDA was closed to women. A landmark Supreme Court ruling in June 2022 opened the doors for female candidates, reshaping the role of women in the armed forces.
President Murmu will review the IMA parade, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be present at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal. This year, a total of 515 cadets are graduating from the IMA, including 34 foreign cadets from 16 countries. Among them are the nine brave female cadets from the NDA’s first female batch, now ready to serve the nation after rigorous training.
Under the 217th course of the Indian Air Force, a total of 231 flight cadets are completing pre-commissioning training in both flying and ground duty branches. This includes 194 male and 37 female cadets, with five being from the NDA’s first female batch. This achievement demonstrates that women can complete challenging training on par with men and contribute to the armed forces.
The Combined Graduation Parade concluded with a grand display, featuring performances by the Air Force’s Sukhoi fighter jets, the Sarang helicopter display team, and the renowned Surya Kiran aerobatic team.
Leave a Comment