National Defence Academy at 75: A legacy of valour

This year marks the 75th anniversary of India’s National Defence Academy (NDA), which has been in operation since its inauguration on January 16, 1955.

In 2024, the National Defence Academy, a tri-Services military training institution in Khadakwasla, Pune, celebrated its diamond jubilee. The series of anniversary events, which began on January 19 of the previous year, featured various activities showcasing achievements of the NDA and paid homage to the sacrifices made by its alumni. It concluded on NDA Day, 2024 (on Tuesday, January 16, 2024).

The NDA is a leading school that prepares and educates those aiming to join military service and serve their country. It is a top-level joint training centre providing a three-year programme. This course helps cadets develop the mental, moral and physical skills they need to handle future battlefield challenges and succeed.

Checkered History

The origin of the NDA dates back to the 1940s, during the World War II, when the idea of creating a joint training institute was conceived. According to the NDA’s official website, in May 1945, a committee was established, led by Field Marshal Sir Claude J Auchinleck, who was the Commander-in-Chief in India at the time. The committee’s task was to assess the possibility of setting up an academy that could provide outstanding joint training facilities for armed forces officers.

In 1946, the committee restructured the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, renaming it the Armed Forces Academy. This academy was divided into two sections: the ‘Inter-Services Wing’ (later referred to as the Joint Services Wing) and the ‘Military Wing’.

After India gained Independence, the plan for the distinctive academy, originally envisioned by Auchinleck, was put on hold for about eight months. Subsequently, on October 6, 1949, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, laid the foundation stone. This marked the beginning of the establishment of a permanent war academy at Khadakwasla, Pune, moving out of Dehradun.

Indeed, while the NDA functioned from Dehradun for six years before moving to Khadakwasla, where it has been for 69 years, the army recognizes January 16, 1949, as the official foundation day of the institution.

Tri-Services Training

Training at the NDA is tailored for the Army, Navy and Air Force, ensuring top-notch military education that aligns with the demands of contemporary warfare.

Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Commandant of the NDA, stated in his message, “The NDA has been consistently drawing the finest young individuals from our nation and from allied foreign nations, shaping them into officers and gentlemen over the years.” He further said, “Their accomplishments are widespread, evident in every level of our armed forces and within civil society. This ‘Cradle’ has effectively nurtured young individuals, molding them into ‘Leaders’ who embody its core principle: ‘Service Before Self’ (सेवा परमो धर्म:).

Over its 75 years, the NDA has produced more than 42,000 officers for the Indian armed forces and approximately 1,000 officers for allied foreign nations. Throughout its history, the academy has developed leaders who have devoted themselves to serving the nation. Kochhar mentioned that, over the years, the NDA has kept pace with changes in warfare, integrating technology into its training programmes.

Kochhar further stated that the NDA had adjusted to the evolving nature of warfare, adopting new technologies and revamping its training approaches to prepare cadets for contemporary challenges. He emphasized that, going forward, the NDA would persist in its pursuit of excellence and innovation, ensuring that its cadets are well-prepared with the necessary knowledge and skills to address the intricate security threats faced by the nation and the world.

The NDA consistently trains young men and, now, women, too—not just in warfare tactics, but also in a variety of areas that enable them to excel both nationally and internationally, says Kochhar. Last year, the institute celebrated a significant milestone when the first group of female cadets took part in the passing out parade (PoP), presided over by President Droupadi Murmu on December 31.

Three former students of the academy have received the Param Vir Chakra and 12 have been awarded the Ashok Chakra, which are India’s highest honours for bravery in war and peace, respectively. Additionally, its alumni have earned numerous other valour awards, including 32 Maha Vir Chakras; 45 Kirti Chakras; 163 Vir Chakras; and 152 Shourya Chakras.

By Girish Linganna

( The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)