NDA's Pioneers: First Women Cadets Reflect on Rigorous Training, Unbreakable Bonds, and Breaking Boundaries

NDA's First Women Cadets

The National Defence Academy (NDA), India's premier tri-services training institution, is on the cusp of a historic moment. Its first batch of women cadets, part of the 148th course, is nearing the "Antim Pag" – the final step of their Passing Out Parade, scheduled for May 29 and 30, 2025. This pioneering group of seventeen young women, who will graduate alongside over 300 male counterparts, embarked on this journey following an interim Supreme Court order in August 2021, which paved the way for their admission into the academy. Their reflections offer a compelling insight into their three years of rigorous training, personal growth, and the evolving landscape of gender inclusion in the armed forces.

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Embracing Equal Opportunities

The sentiment among these trailblazers is one of accomplishment and gratitude for the equitable environment fostered at the NDA. Division Cadet Captain Ishita Sharma, who was pursuing Economics Honours at Delhi University before joining, emphasized the significance of their induction. "I believe that induction of women in the NDA and the passing out of the first batch means a lot for women and women empowerment," she stated. "Here, we have always been given equal chances, equal opportunities and our gender has never come in the way." She further opined that seeing women in leadership roles and receiving permanent commissions would inspire more young women to join the armed forces.

Acknowledging the physiological differences between men and women, Cadet Sharma explained that training standards were adapted, much like in other academies. "The physical training standards are different. But the idea was to have equity rather than equality in these standards and to challenge every cadet in their own way," she clarified, highlighting a nuanced approach to ensure all cadets are pushed to their potential.

Grit and Achievement

The achievements of this first batch speak volumes about their dedication. Cadet Sharma proudly noted, "In our course, 80 percent are top academic performers who have been awarded for their academic performances and CGPA, many have merit cards in the PT and drill, 70 per cent of us have appointments which is a very good number." Cadet appointments are significant leadership roles within the academy, indicating the trust and capability vested in these young women.

Battalion Cadet Captain Ritul, an Air Force cadet who had completed her first year of engineering prior to joining the NDA, shared her perspective on the transformative nature of the training. "We knew that the training would be tough and the training would groom me physically and emotionally," she said. She acknowledged the academy's preparedness, noting that separate accommodation and administrative arrangements were in place for the women cadets upon their arrival. Despite "roller coaster ride" moments, like their first haircut, the overall experience has been one of profound development. "I had joined as a young individual and now we have been groomed to lead and handle any situation," Ritul added. The successful completion of three challenging camps – Camp Rovers, Camp Torna, and Camp Green Horn – stands as a testament to their resilience. Notably, 13 out of the 17 women cadets received cadet appointments in their sixth term, a significant achievement.

A crucial aspect of their final term was integration. Ritul explained, "In our sixth term, we were integrated with our main squadrons...all the female cadets were allotted to their respective squadrons." This meant participating in all activities alongside their male peers from morning muster till lights out, a change from their initial separate squadron living.

Forging Bonds and Leadership

The intense training environment has not only honed their physical and mental capabilities but also fostered deep camaraderie. Cadet Shreeti Daksh spoke of the strong bonds formed, "Starting from junior when we used to train together, we have been part of each other’s happiness and sadness, got to know about each other, their families, we started building a bond which was based on sharing."

This spirit of unity was echoed by Cadet Ishita Sharma, "The will to never give up is inculcated here. We will never give up, we will always hold each other’s hands. If there is a task, everyone will complete it no matter what — be it running, walking, or crawling." Cadet Ritul added that the gradual training significantly improved their physical stamina, with many progressing from barely running two kilometers to completing 14-kilometer stretches, which also bolstered their emotional resilience.

The training also encompasses softer skills crucial for leadership. Cadet Harsimran Kaur mentioned, "The training also includes mannerisms, communication skills. You are given small leadership roles and that is how we learn to take initiatives and be responsible for a group." Cadet Ishita Sangwan highlighted the responsibility that comes with seniority: "As we go into senior terms we not only get an opportunity to learn but also to guide and groom the juniors. That responsibility always ensures that you lead by example and remain accountable."

Looking ahead, Cadet Ritul acknowledged that the integration and development for women cadets is an "ongoing process." She believes their journey has the potential to inspire other women, asserting that "nothing is impossible. Women can achieve all the standards and nothing as such is gender specific. In the military everything will be seen in terms of merit."

The successful journey of these first women cadets through the demanding corridors of the NDA is a landmark achievement. It signifies not only their personal triumphs of grit and determination but also a pivotal moment for the Indian armed forces, heralding an era of greater inclusivity and empowered women leadership. Their experiences and successes will undoubtedly pave the way for many more young women to aspire to serve the nation through its most esteemed military institutions.