Historic First: Women Cadets Graduate from NDA
First batch of 17 women cadets graduate from NDA, marking a historic milestone in India's journey towards gender inclusivity in the armed forces.
In a landmark moment for India's armed forces, the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune celebrated the graduation of its first-ever batch of 17 female cadets on May 30, 2025. These trailblazers joined over 300 male counterparts in the Passing Out Parade of the 148th course at the Khetrpal Parade Ground, marking a significant stride towards gender inclusivity in military training.
Among the graduates, Division Cadet Captain Shriti Daksh made history by topping the Bachelor of Arts stream, becoming the first woman to achieve this distinction since the NDA began admitting female cadets in 2022.
The ceremony, reviewed by General V.K. Singh, former Army Chief and current Governor of Mizoram, was attended by proud families, senior military officials, and dignitaries. General Singh lauded the women cadets as symbols of 'Naari Shakti', embodying not just women's development but women-led development.
This historic event underscores the evolving role of women in India's defense services and sets a precedent for future generations.
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