The convocation ceremony for the historic 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) which comprised the first batch of women cadets was held on Thursday. A total of 339 cadets, including 17 women, were awarded their degrees and course completion certificates. Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh, who is from the first batch of women cadets became an academic topper by standing first in the Arts stream. The 339 cadets were conferred with degree and course completion certificates from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at the convocation of the 148th course of the NDA which was held at Habibullah Hall of the academy. The passing out cadets included 84 in the Science stream, 85 in Computer Science and 59 in the Arts stream who were awarded JNU degrees and 111 Navy and Air Force cadets from the BTech stream who received three years course completion certificates. These Naval and Air Force cadets from the BTech stream will be conferred with the degrees after completing a year's training at their respective pre-commissioning training academies, i.e., Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy (AFA) respectively. The passing out course also comprised 17 cadets from friendly foreign countries. Prof Dr Poonam Tandon, vice chancellor, Deen Dayal Upadhyay University, Gorakhpur, was chief fuest for the convocation ceremony. Cadet Lucky Kumar stood first in the science stream. Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwah stood first in the Computer Science stream. Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh, who is from the first batch of women cadets, stood first in the Arts stream. Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi stood first in the BTech stream. Speaking to the media after the convocation, Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwah said, "We are the course that saw the academy changing. From being a male dominated academy to becoming an integrated one. I can say fully integrated now, as women cadets are living in the same squadrons as the male cadets." When asked about her feelings of becoming the first female academic topper, Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh said, "It is exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time. But I also feel happy having set a path for the junior cadets to follow. And I dedicate this achievement to my juniors." Professor Tandon said in her convocation address, "I am especially elated to learn that tomorrow marks the passing out of the first batch of women cadets from the NDA. Girls, your achievements today are not just your own. It is a breakthrough for thousands of young women across India who look up to you. You are the torchbearers of change, courage and capabilities. You have proven that the pursuit of excellence and service knows no gender. Your presence here is historic and your example will inspire generations to come. I salute your grit, grace and determination." NDA Commandant Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh said in his address, "I am confident that the first graduating batch of women cadets along with their male counterparts will carve a name for themselves as exemplary leaders of both men and women. Remember, your decisions will shape lives and your actions will inspire generations. The nation looks up to you with hope and trust not just to defend its borders but to uphold the values that make our society just, compassionate and strong."
