At the 146th convocation ceremony of the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, a significant milestone was achieved as 205 cadets were awarded their bachelor's degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The event, held at the prestigious Habibullah Hall, marked a memorable occasion for the cadets, their families, and the faculty.
The convocation ceremony, a hallmark event in the academic calendar of the NDA, was graced by Prof. Sat Prakash Bansal, who served as the chief guest. Prof. Bansal holds the dual roles of Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh and Vice-Chancellor (additional charge) of Himachal Pradesh University. His presence underscored the significance of the ceremony, reflecting the strong ties between the academic and defense institutions of India.
During his address, Prof. Bansal emphasized the importance of academic excellence and its integration with military training. He lauded the cadets for their dedication and hard work, which not only prepares them for the rigorous demands of military service but also equips them with the intellectual foundation necessary for strategic thinking and leadership. Prof. Bansal highlighted the unique blend of military discipline and academic rigour that characterises the NDA, making it a premier institution in shaping the future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces.
In addition to the Indian cadets, the ceremony also recognized the achievements of 17 cadets from friendly foreign countries, who were awarded degrees alongside their Indian counterparts. This aspect of the convocation ceremony highlighted the NDA's role in fostering international military cooperation and camaraderie. The presence of these international cadets is a testament to the global reputation of the NDA and its commitment to building strong, cooperative relationships with allied nations.
The ceremony at Habibullah Hall was marked by a sense of pride and accomplishment. Families and friends of the graduating cadets filled the hall, celebrating the culmination of years of rigorous training and academic study. The graduates, resplendent in their ceremonial uniforms, reflected the discipline, commitment, and excellence that the NDA instills in its cadets.
As the degrees were conferred, the cadets stood tall, ready to embark on the next phase of their careers in the Indian Armed Forces or return to their home countries to serve with distinction. The convocation was not just a celebration of their academic achievements but also a reaffirmation of their readiness to take on the challenges and responsibilities of military leadership.
The 146th convocation ceremony of the NDA thus symbolized a bridge between academic achievement and military excellence, reinforcing the Academy's mission to produce well-rounded, capable leaders for the defense forces of India and its allied nations.