1 week Ago By Sandip Dighe
Pune: Ritul Duhan's day starts at 5am as she and her fellow cadets assemble at the National Defence Academy 's squadron parade ground to recite the NDA prayer and honour code. Their day, which ends at 10.15pm and consists of physical training, academics and some games, is similar to that of any other NDA cadet.
But the women, who are the first female cadets of the academy, feel a bigger sense of responsibility to pave the path for those who follow them in the military. "We are obliged and privileged to be a part of the historic moment of the academy. But at the same time, I feel it is a big responsibility for us.
Being the first female cadets of the academy, juniors look up to us. They will follow our path. So it is a big privilege and a proud moment for us ," said Duhan, a BTech cadet of the final term.
With her appointment as Battalion Cadet Captain, Duhan recognises the significant responsibility she carries. "We are not just completing our training, we are paving the way for future leadership and inspiring younger cadets who will follow our path," she said at the ‘Yugantar' event organised by Southern Command's Zonal Recruiting Office in Pune on Tuesday. About 3,000 aspiring students, including girls NCC cadets, attended the event.
Duhan is a national-level basketball player and the daughter of a private contractor. Supported by her parents and driven by determination, she said the three-year NDA experience develops not just military skills, but also provides comprehensive personal growth. The first batch of 17 female cadets is set to pass out from the academy in the upcoming passing-out parade in May.
After completing three years of training, these cadets will join the respective forces' academies to complete one year of advanced military training before being commissioned into their respective arms and services of the armed forces. Her resolute mindset that never entertained the thought of surrendering has helped her, she added. "When challenges emerged, I always reminded myself of my initial motivation.
.. If 40,000 cadets before me could complete this training successfully, there was no reason I couldn't.
" The academy's adaptation to integrate female cadets has been noteworthy, Duhan pointed out while acknowledging that there were some uncertainties initially. "The atmosphere has become increasingly conducive," she said, and praised the NDA's progressive approach. "I encourage girls to join with a broader purpose, understanding that this training develops every aspect of your personality.
" Her advice to aspiring female cadets is pragmatic and encouraging: "Any initial reservations will dissolve once you join. The NDA transforms you beyond your expectations, pushing your limits daily through a comprehensive programme of morning drills, academic lectures, sports, and multiple activities.".
