NDA Passing Out Parade POP May 2015: A total of 401 cadets from the 128th course of the National Defence Academy passed out on Saturday in a glittering passing-out parade that was reviewed by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. In his address to the cadets, the minister stressed on the importance of physical fitness in the armed forces. The 401 cadets, which included cadets from the Army and Navy and Air Force, included eight cadets from Bhutan, five cadets from Afghanistan and one cadet from the Maldives. NDA Commandant Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar and Deputy Commandant Major General Ashok Ambre welcomed Parrikar, who arrived at the rain-soaked Khetrapal Parade Ground of the NDA. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, Lt Gen Ashok Singh, was also received with a general salute.
Academy Cadet Adjutant A K Sinha won the President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit. Battalion Cadet Captain Nishant Philip won the silver medal for standing second in the overall order of merit and academy. Cadet Captain RS Bisht won the bronze medal for standing third in the overall order of merit. The November (N) Squadron bagged the Chief of Staff Banner presented to the Champion Squadron.
NDA Passing Out Parade POP May 2015 Pictures:
Parrikar awarded the medals to the winners and also handed over the banner to Squadron Cadet Captain Kumar Gaurav. In his speech, Parrikar said, “I cannot over-emphasise the aspect of physical fitness. Yes, the world has changed and we need thinking soldiers. Notwithstanding all this, physical fitness is a major requirement for a soldier. The more physically fit you are the better your mind ticks. The posture of a man, his bearing, his demeanour — all have an impact on his thinking. It builds self-confidence and a sense of well being that is at the heart of discipline.” “The mind and the body matter, no doubt, but what matters most is the spirit, the conscience which guides you always to do right, no matter what the cost is. More than courage, what the world lacks most today is moral courage — the conviction to do what is right, at all costs,” he added.
Source: indianexpress.com
