IAF chief reviews NDA Passing out Parade at Pune

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha Chief of Air Staff reviewed the passing out parade of 126th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakvasla, Pune, today.

Three hundred and sixty NDA cadets graduated as they passed through the portals of prestigious (Arjun) Khetarpal Parade Ground.

The chief guest was received by Air Marshal Kulwant Singh Gill, Commandant, National Defence Academy at the Parade Ground.

Addressing the cadets, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha complimented them on their immaculate turnout, excellent drill movements and high standard of parade.

He said: "The quality of the passing out parade speaks volumes of the fine training that is imparted by the prestigious institute".

He also congratulated the award winners for their outstanding performance in the entire spectrum of training curriculum over the last three years at the academy.

NDA is one of the finest tri-services institutes in the world and is best in terms of infrastructure, size, capacity and quality of training. Rigorous training, inclusive of both physical and mental exercises has transformed the cadets into the excellent young warriors.

He complimented the instructors and Staff of the NDA for their dedication and commitment in nurturing, mentoring and grooming into potential military leaders. He also congratulated the proud parents who supported their wards and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

Academy Cadet Adjutant Rahul Kadian won the President's Gold Medal for standing first in overall order of merit. The Silver Medal by Academy Cadet Captain Vivek Yadav for standing second in overall order of merit and the Bronze Mmedal by Battalion Cadet Captain Surya Prakash for standing third in overall order of merit.

The 'NOVEMBER SQUADRON' bagged the Chiefs of Staff Banner presented to the Champion Squadron.

Fly pasts by Chetak helicopters trooping the National and NDA Flags followed by Super Dimonas, Pilatus and Jaguars in Vic formation.

The parade culminated with a grand finale by three Jaguars and three Su-30 aircraft carrying out a vertical maneuver marked the grand event.