In a major step towards gender inclusivity in the Indian Armed Forces, the National Defence Academy (NDA) conducted its 148th Passing Out Parade on Friday, marking a historic milestone as the first batch of women cadets graduated. Held at the NDA campus in Khadakwasla, Pune, the event highlighted the growing role and representation of women in the nation’s military leadership.
The event was reviewed by General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), the Governor of Mizoram and former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). The ceremony saw attendance from proud families, senior military officials, and dignitaries from across the country.
Calling it a “significant and historic” occasion, General VK Singh praised the pioneering spirit of the graduating women cadets. “This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey towards inclusivity and empowerment. These women represent ‘Nari Shakti’—not just in women’s development, but in women-led development,” he said.
The parade signifies a turning point in the NDA’s 75-year history, where for the first time, women will join the ranks of commissioned officers after rigorous training alongside their male counterparts.
A day earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the increasing role of women in the armed forces while addressing a gathering in Goa at the flag-in ceremony of the Indian Navy sailing vessel INSV Tarini. The event celebrated the return of Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa, who successfully completed a circumnavigation of the globe in double-handed mode as part of the ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama II’ mission. The duo became the first Indian women to achieve this feat with only two crew members on board.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the contribution of women during recent military operations, notably Operation Sindoor. “Women pilots and other female soldiers played a crucial role in India’s decisive actions against terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” Singh said.
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and injured many more. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the elimination of over 100 militants affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
“From the heights of Siachen to the depths of the ocean, Indian women are serving the nation with distinction. Today, the gates of Sainik Schools are open to girls, and 17 women cadets have graduated from the NDA this month. Their achievements have strengthened the security fabric of our country,” the Defence Minister added.
(With ANI inputs)
