You are on page 1of 136

TRISHAKTI

Journal of the National Defence Academy

शित
राय र!ा अकादमी पका

SPRING TERM 2022


HONOUR CODE
I believe that a cadet must be
loyal, truthful, trustworthy,
honest and forthright
under all circumstances.
I will not lie, cheat or steal
nor will I mislead or deceive anyone.
I undertake to faithfully live up to this code
and to continuously encourage
my comrades to do so.

1
HUT OF REMEMBRANCE

2
A MOTHER PRAYS
Enter my portals O glory bound ones
Learn to lead I'll make you men
In my dreams the bugle sounds
In my heart hope abounds
Leave my portals live like men
Death or glory it matters none
The hour beckons honour at stake
O valiant sons a mother prays
Lead with vigour straight up front
Rocklike bear the enemy's brunt
I shall write your untold story
I shall uphold your blazing glory
Go my sons the earth beckons
Hear my warriors the oceans call
Soar my eagles the sky is yours
Death before defeat
Death before dishonour
Death with distinction
A mother prays for all your days
Strive and seek victory with grace
A mother prays%
A mother prays%

3
Chief Patron
Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM,NM

Patron
Major General Sanjeev Dogra

Advisor
Prof (Dr) OP Shukla

Chief Editor
Mr Ritu Raj Brahma

Cadet Editors
40668/L/145 Cdt Arihant S Rana
41021/E/146 Cdt Raunak Singh

Photo Credit
Photography Club, NDA
Lakshya Photo Studio, Murarilal

Digital Design and Layout


Mr Ritu Raj Brahma

Published by Commandant, NDA


© National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune – 23, INDIA

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or


stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any form by processes elec-
tronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the
prior permission in writing from National Defence Academy. The opin-
ions/ points of view expressed in the creative articles belong to the author
(s). They do in no way reflect the viewpoint of the organization/ publisher
or that of the Editorial Board. The Editorial Board has the right to suita-
bly edit the contents, keeping the spirit of the contribution intact.

4
CONTENTS
Title Page No

* Editorial 6
* Welcome 7
* From the Commandant’s Desk 9
* From the Deputy Commandant’s Desk 11
* Address by the Reviewing Officer 15
* POP Glimpses 17
* Convocation Address 21
* Hall of Fame: Medals & Trophies 24
* NDA Ball 28
* NDA Expo 30
* PT & Equitation Display 32
* On/Off Campus Events 33
* Transforming Boys into Men:
♦ Army Training Team 39
♦ Naval Training Team 43
♦ Air Force Training Team 47
♦ Joint Training Team 50
♦ Physical Training Team 55
♦ Equitation Training Team 60

* Camps
♦ Camp Green Horn 64
♦ Camp Rover 68
♦ Exercise Trishul 72

* Academic Training 75
* Academy Teams 77
* Creative Section 89
* Who’s Who: 142nd Course 99

5
EDITORIAL

Dear Readers,

It is indeed a moment of great joy for me to present to you the latest edition of Trishakti,
journal of National Defence Academy. Trishakti, over the years, has evolved into a ready ref-
erence about the various important events and training related activities of the Academy. It
evokes both nostalgia and awe in the minds of its readers. This edition of Trishakti also fol-
lows the legacy of its predecessors and gives a panoramic view of training centric activities
and other events which took place during Spring Term 2022. The journal also showcases the
creative talents of the cadets through their articles and poems that have been included in the
creative section.

I would also like to convey my heartfelt thanks to the various branches and training teams
without whose inputs this journal would not have seen the light of day.

Wishing you all a very happy reading!

Ritu Raj Brahma


Chief Editor

THE TEAM

EDITORIAL AND DESIGNING CADET EDITORS

Mr Ritu Raj Brahma Cdt Arihant S Rana Cdt Raunak Singh

6
WELCOME

Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM sively for Operations on both East & West
assumed the appointment of Commandant, coasts. The officer has the distinction of com-
National Defence Academy on 01 Apr 2022 missioning a frontline frigate for the Navy at
from Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, AVSM, VM. Kaliningrad, Russia. His other command
As an alumnus of the National Defence Acad- appointments include INS Kirpan, a missile
emy, Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar was commis- Corvette and missile vessels during Opera-
sioned in the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 1988. He tion Parakram.
is a graduate of the Defence Service Staff
The staff appointments of the Flag officer
College, Wellington, Naval War College,
include Joint Director Naval Plans and Direc-
Mumbai and Royal College of Defence Stud-
tor of Staff Requirements at Integrated Head-
ies at United Kingdom.
quarters of Ministry of Defence (Navy),
In a career spanning 34 years, the Flag Offi- wherein he formulated the future maritime
cer has held various important and challeng- perspective and capabilities enhancement
ing command and staff appointments. He has plans for the Indian Navy. He has also
been the Fleet Commander of the Western steered major shipbuilding projects for the
Fleet, the sword arm of the Indian Navy where Indian Navy as Assistant Controller of Carrier
he led the Fleet for critical operational mis- Projects and Assistant Controller of Warship
sions, foreign bilateral exercises and major Production and Acquisition.
HADR taskings. He has commanded India’s
We wish him a fruitful tenure at the NDA.
only Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and dur-
ing his tenure the carrier was deployed exten-

7
WELCOME

Major General Sanjeev Dogra assumed the the Western Theatre, Commandant, War
appointment of Deputy Commandant and Gaming and Development Centre and Gen-
Chief Instructor of National Defence Academy eral Officer Commanding of a Mountain Divi-
(NDA) on 01 Dec 2021 from Rear Admiral sion along the Line of Control.
Sanjay Vatsayan, AVSM, NM.
His important staff assignments include
The General Officer is an alumnus of Na- Brigade Major of a Mountain Brigade and
tional Defence Academy (70th Course), De- Brigadier Quartermaster at Officers Training
fence Services Staff College, Wellington, India Academy, Gaya. He was Deputy Comman-
and College of Defence Management, Secun- dant and Chief Instructor at Infantry School,
derabad. On completion of his training at the Mhow, before assuming the appointment of
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun he was Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor at
commissioned into the 16th Battalion of the NDA.
JAT Regiment in June 1987.
Major General Sanjeev Dogra has a rich
He has done various staff and instructional combat experience having served in counter
appointments to include Instructor at Indian insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and has
Military Training Team, Bhutan, Battalion served in almost all terrains, including super
Commander at Officers Training Academy, high altitude area of Siachen Glacier and high
Chennai, Directing Staff at College of Defence altitude region of Kargil.
Management, Secunderabad and Deputy
We wish the General Officer a fruitful and
Commandant and Chief Instructor at Infantry
satisfying tenure at the NDA.
School, Mhow. His command tenures include
Command of a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, Bri-
gade Commander of an Infantry Brigade in

8
FROM THE COMMANDANT’S DESK

At the outset I would like to congratulate cadets have performed exceedingly well in all
everyone at Team NDA for the successful cul- spheres of training. Their performance was
mination of Spring Term-2022 the highlight of noteworthy not just within the Academy, but
which, just like any other term, was the Pass- also in events organized outside. The journal-
ing out Parade. My best wishes to the 142nd Trishakti encapsulates all such achievements
Course as they move to their respective Ser- and is a ready repository of information with
vice Academies having completed their three respect to cadet training and extra-curricular
years of rigorous training at the NDA. activities.
The Core philosophy of "Service Before My dear cadets of the 142nd Course, now
Self" is the operating principle at NDA that that you have marched across the quarter-
guides our actions as we strive to achieve our deck you belong to an extremely select group
primary objective of creating ‘scholar warriors’ called the Ex-NDA. As you take some time to
who can be leaders of men. We take pride in savour your success thus far, you must bear
creating future leaders who will not just be te- in mind that this is the beginning of your pro-
nacious and physically capable in the battle- fessional life. The much cherished values of
field, but will also have the mental aptitude to hard work, patience and tenacity that you
develop solutions to problems and conduct have espoused in the last three years here at
themselves with finesse. Our alumni have the Academy will guide you through personal
proven themselves time and again not just on life. This entire journey has transformed you
the battlefield but in various other fields such boisterous teenagers to men of substance,
as sports, business and administration etc. and your parents are rightfully proud of the
same. The training here at the NDA has laid
This term was markedly different from the
the groundwork upon which you will build
past few terms as the Academy returned to its
your professional careers in the Armed
full operational tempo post the COVID-19 pan-
Forces. As you make your way to your re-
demic. The rigour and intensity of the training
spective Service Academies to learn the finer
at the Academy is known to all of us and it
nuances of your chosen services, you need
gives me immense pleasure to state that the

9
to always remember that you carry upon face challenges both professional and personal
your shoulders the responsibility to uphold in nature. In your attempts to overcome these
a solemn reputation endearingly and pains- challenges, never ever forget the basic ethos of
takingly forged in blood and sweat by all being a gentleman and an officer that has been
those who have passed out from this very so painstakingly nurtured here at the Academy.
Academy. The onus is on you to choose the harder right
rather than the easier wrong always.
Remember, the nation reposes great
faith in our Armed Forces; be it securing
our borders or providing relief and succour I wish all you all good health and success in life.
at times of natural calamities. The Armed
Forces is an organization where the Jai Hind!
'mission' comes first and foremost every-
thing else follows after. In your life you will

Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM


Commandant

10
FROM THE DEPUTY COMMANDANT’S DESK

With the successful culmination of the posted at NDA to undertake this daunting
Passing out Parade of 142nd Course, Spring task. Gentlemen, remember irrespective of
Term-2022 came to an end. I am sanguine to the arm or service that you eventually join,
note that we were able to meet all training ob- you will be leaders of men. Leaders who will
jectives successfully and exceed all expecta- be expected to lead their men and into battle
tions. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pan- one fine day.
demic the Academy went back to the pre- Since leadership is central to your task
COVID routine with gusto. Events which were and training, remember that there are three
halted temporarily due to the COVID-19 re- important facets of a good leader. These are
strictions were reintroduced. what a leader is, what a leader knows and
The NDA in its charter is pretty clear with what a leader does. What a leader is gets re-
respect to its objectives. To create able junior flected by his character, in your case by your
leaders to lead all three arms of the Armed unimpeachable character. Highest standards
Forces. It is a solemn goal to have; one of honesty and integrity that are enshrined in
whose significance cannot be overstated. Ca- the NDA honour code must be an integral
dets, during your stay at NDA, you were ex- part of your conduct and lifestyle. A good
posed to a number of disciplines like aca- leader will always choose the path of right-
demic subjects, service specific training, eousness and not fall prey to any tempta-
physical fitness, sports, games, swimming, tions. The strong character that you have de-
riding, drill etc. However, the most important veloped at NDA will stand with you as a rock
skill that you have acquired is that of Leader- as you choose the harder right. The men you
ship. NDA is known as the ‘Cradle of Military command will take no time to understand
Leadership’. There can be no place better your intentions and will follow you on the path
than NDA to transform young boys, like you that is righteous. At the same time cultivate
were three years ago with dreams in your humility and selflessness.
eyes into military leaders and there can be no The second facet of a successful leader
team better than the team of instructors is what a leader knows. As a successful

11
leader you must always be well read, have tional and individual level the crux of exis-
high situational awareness and be extremely tence today. You need to continuously deskill,
proficient in whatever task is assigned to you. reskill and upskill to be at the top of your
There is no alternative to high standard of pro- game. Your training, learning and education
fessional knowledge. And it is not sufficient to have to be a continuous process. There is no
merely acquire the prescribed knowledge, it is room for stagnation.
also important as to how you acquire that The Academy and its retinue of officers
knowledge. Always develop additional skills and staff take great pride in creating ‘scholar
and abilities which will help you attain perfec- warriors’ who can rise up to the occasion and
tion. Innovative thinking, analytical problem measure up well against the highest stan-
solving, creativity, information age competen- dards professionalism and selfless dedication
cies are a few of such skills and abilities. espoused by the Armed Forces of India. Over
The third and most important facet of a the decades this Academy has done a fine
good leader is what a leader does. What you job in providing our country with the military
do as a leader will inspire and motivate the leadership that it can be proud of. Many
men under your command. What you do as a amongst them have made the ultimate sacri-
leader will compel them to follow you with ut- fice standing true to the ethos of this institu-
most trust and faith. The legends of stalwarts tion so magnificently depicted in its motto-
like 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal, Capt Manoj “Seva Paramo Dharma.”
Pandey, and Capt Gurbachan Singh Salaria Finally dear cadets, I would like each one
which continue to inspire us till date are a tes- of you to take time off your daily routine to
timony of exemplary leadership displayed by review and reflect on your short and long
them against great odds. I have walked over term goals and carry out course corrections if
the Khalubar and Jubar Ridges where Capt needed. This daily habit will enable you to
Manoj Pandey led his men to victory for our measure your progress in all spheres of your
beloved motherland. The terrain was ex- life and help you to gradually evolve into a
tremely tough and the task at hand was more mature and satisfied human being.
daunting. What Capt Manoj Pandey said to
his men and the way he lead his men through
personal example is enshrined in history to- May God be your guiding light always.
day. In the years to come, you as young lead-
Godspeed and Jai Hind!
ers will be expected to lead your men to vic-
tory whatever may be the cost. You need to
prepare for that glorious moment. Leading by Major General Sanjeev Dogra
personal example must become a habit for all Deputy Commandant & Chief Instructor
of you.
The modern-day battlefield is extremely
dynamic and change is the very essence
which defines it. The pace of technology and
the changes that it brings about has made
continuous improvement both at an institu-

12
PASSING OUT PARADE : SPRING TERM-2022

The culmination of 142nd Course was Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Vivek
marked by the Passing Out Parade on the Ram Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC was
morning of 30th May 2022. The young military the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Pa-
leaders marched past the quarterdeck of the rade, Spring Term-2022.
historic Khetarpal Parade Ground. The Ca-
dets demonstrated excellent and spectacular
parade in tune with the enthusiasm of the
wide array of audience. The parents of the
Passing Out Cadets, many dignitaries, citi-
zens, school children, serving and retired
personnel from the three Services witnessed
the parade.

The Reviewing Officer Arrives at the Parade


Ground

Major Harsh Bharat Jani, Adjutant, NDA,


astride his charger “Reliant Robin” conducted
the parade. The Academy Cadet Adjutant
(ACA) Abhimanyu Singh of Mike Squadron,
commanded the parade of a total of 907 ca-
dets; dressed up immaculately in White Patrol.
The Marching Contingents along with the Adjutant

13
The Reviewing Officer presented the med-
als to the best performing Cadets. ACA Abhi-
manyu Singh of Mike Squadron was
awarded the President’s Gold Medal for
standing first in the overall order of merit.
The Silver Medal for standing second in the
overall order of merit was bagged by BCA
Arvind Chauhan of Alpha Squadron. SCC
Nitin Sharma of November Squadron re-
ceived the Bronze Medal for standing third in
the overall order of merit. The Chiefs of Staff
Banner, which is presented to the Overall
Champion Squadron was won by the No-
Marching Contingents vember Squadron.
A total of 907 cadets participated in the pa-
rade of which 317 cadets were from the pass-
ing out course. The passing out cadets in-
cluded 212 Army cadets, 36 Naval cadets and
69 Air Force cadets including 14 cadets from
Friendly Foreign Countries. The cadets
marched shoulder to shoulder in measured
steps and scored their Antim Pag (final steps)
on the tunes of “Auld Lang Syne.”

ACA Abhimanyu Singh being awarded the


President’s Gold Medal

Fly past by three Super Dimona motorized


gliders and Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft marked
the culmination of the event.

Cadets Marching in Unison

Nishan Toli carrying the President’s Colour


presented to the National Defence Academy in
1978 was led by SCC Pratham Singh.

Flypast by Su-30MKI Aircraft

After the spectacular parade a tea party


was organized at the Salaria Square. It was
also an occasion for everybody to meet and
interact with the Reviewing Officer and other
dignitaries.
Nishan Toli

14
ADDRESS BY THE REVIEWING OFFICER
TO THE PASSING OUT COURSE

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC,
Chief of the Air Staff Addressing the Parade

Commandant NDA, Vice Admiral Ajay outstanding performance during the three
Kochhar, Deputy Commandant, members of years of training here. My compliments to the
the staff and faculty, esteemed veterans, instructors and staff at NDA for their dedication
Cadets on Parade, proud parents and and commitment in nurturing, mentoring and
families, members of the media, training cadets to become officers. A special
distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. congratulations to the 19 cadets from friendly
foreign countries. Good Show and well done.
It is indeed a matter of honour for me to
be at the National Defence Academy this As you move from here to your respective
morning to review the Passing out Parade of service training academies, the armed forces
the 142nd course. It is nostalgic for me to be will look upon you to carry forward the rich
standing here, after nearly four decades, legacy of professionalism and Service before
recalling the slow march past this quarter Self, shown by your predecessors.
deck, on the tune of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and
What do the armed forces expect from you as
being ushered into the backyard of Science future Officers and leaders?
Block. It surely brings back some very fond
memories. We expect exceptional professionalism and
unquestioned integrity. We expect you to
At the very outset, I would like to maintain the highest standards of personal
compliment you all for your immaculate conduct and moral values that reflect the
turnout, precise drill movements and high
dignity and pride of being in the profession of
standard of parade which is testimony to the
arms. We expect you to be fair, consistent and
fine training that is imparted at this
selfless while at work and to have compassion
prestigious academy. I would also like to
and understanding when dealing with your
congratulate all award winners for their
subordinates.

15
There will be crossroads in your career As the world is embracing newer
where you will need to make a decision technologies and gradually moving away from
whether to choose the harder right or the conventional war fighting methods. It is
easier wrong. Physical and moral courage to imperative for all of us to adapt to the change
stand-up to what is right, will hold you in good rapidly so that we can innovate and refine our
stead. You all are on a path less travelled, so processes of war fighting. Remember, as you
tread carefully. You will be required to lead attain positions of leadership, your men will
from the front and adapt to emerging read you and watch every action of yours.
situations with alacrity, because the men and Honesty and integrity will help you keep a
women you will command will look up to you, clear conscience and give you the confidence
don’t let them down. to stand up for your convictions.
In the coming years, you are bound to face So, what can you expect from the armed
certain hardships in your career. Never allow forces?
these hardships and constraints to affect you
You can expect a professionally enriching
mentally and physically. There is an old
and personally satisfying life in your chosen
adage, “when the going gets tough, the tough
careers. You can expect a life full of
get going”- this should be the motto of your
adventure and action. You can expect
career and you should remain physically,
unflinching loyalty from the men and women
emotionally and mentally fit to meet and
you command, even when you storm through
accept all challenges in life.
the very gates of hell to protect the
Warfare is undergoing a fundamental sovereignty of our nation. You can expect
change with the emergence of new lifelong friendships with your course mates
technology and radically newer doctrines. from NDA and hereafter, you will be known
India’s security dynamics involves multi- more as 142nd course rather than your own
faceted threats and challenges. It would names. The Khetarpal Parade Ground has
require us to build multi-domain capabilities heard the drill boot stamping of numerous
and execute operations simultaneously and in courses before you. Many of them have made
shortened timeframes. You will need to stay the ultimate sacrifice and become legends. I
abreast with technological advancements, for am confident that you will also put your best
which you will have to study, research and foot forward and bring glory to this country.
analyse. Your quest for knowledge must
I take this opportunity to convey my
continue unabated after you pass out from
gratitude and heartiest congratulations to all
here.
parents and families who have supported their
As future officers, you must develop an wards and encouraged them to pursue their
understanding of this complex and dynamic dreams of serving the country. It is indeed a
world through the study of military history, very proud moment for all of you and
geo-politics and international affairs. This can I can assure you that you have made the right
be possible only if you inculcate good reading decision.
habits, in the early years of your service
In the end, I would like to leave you all with
career. You will get ample opportunities to
the last four lines of Rudyard Kipling’s poem
perform, excel and nurture your professional
titled “IF”, which you have seen placed in front
competence, if you have the will and the
of your study tables for the past three years,
fortitude.
here in NDA
You all are joining this noble profession
“If you can fill the unforgiving minute
when our country is at the cusp of a
technological transformation. All three With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
services have invested heavily in next Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
generation war fighting machines. You, as
future operators of these highly potent And-which is more- you’ll be a Man, my son!
systems, need to be fully conversant with On that note, I would like to wish you all the
them which can be achieved only through very best for the future, may you conquer over
rigorous training, dedication and a the land with courage and valour, may you
professional approach. reign supreme over the high seas and may
you all touch the sky with glory.

16
GLIMPSES OF PASSING OUT PARADE
SPRING TERM-2022

The Reviewing Officer receiving the First Salute

The Reviewing Officer inspecting the Parade

17
Cadets Marching in unison

ACA Abhimanyu Singh being Awarded the Cadets of 142nd course Marching Past the
President’s Gold Medal Quarter Deck

Honourable Guests The Reviewing Officer meeting cadets of Friendly


Foreign Countries of the 142nd Course

18
CONVOCATION : SPRING TERM 2022

The Convocation ceremony for 142nd Course and their parents. He outlined the
Course was held on 29th May 2022 in the various initiatives taken by the NDA to aug-
Habibullah Hall. The occasion was graced by ment the academic standards in the Academy
Shri Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer of to meet the demands of the modern battle-
NITI Ayog as the Chief Guest. Vice Admiral field which is continuously evolving with re-
Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM, Commandant, gards to the usage of technology.
NDA welcomed the Chief Guest. Maj Gen
Sanjeev Dogra, Deputy Commandant & Chief
Instructor; other members of the Academic
Committee were also present on the dais.

Cadets of 142 Course in Attendance

Shri Amitabh Kant delivered the Convoca-


tion Address and congratulated the cadets on
Chief Guest on the dais their having successfully completed their aca-
demic degree programs.
Prof (Dr) OP Shukla, Principal, NDA pre- A total of 321 cadets including 19 cadets
sented the Academic Report of the 142nd from Friendly Foreign Countries received
course. While presenting the Report, the Prin- their degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru Univer-
cipal congratulated the cadets of 142nd sity, New Delhi. Of the 321 cadets, 68 cadets

19
received their degree in Social Science, 41
cadets received a B.Sc degree and 106 ca-
dets received their B.Sc Computer Science
degree and the remaining 106 cadets will re-
ceive their BTech degrees in their respective
service academies.

BCA Shivam Kanhaiya, winner of Commandant’s


Silver Medal and the Admiral’s Trophy

Commandant, NDA reading out the Statement of


Graduation an Award of Degree

CQMS Ravi Kumar was awarded the


Commandant’s Silver Medal and the Chief of
Air Staff Trophy, for standing first in Science
Stream. BCA Shivam Kanhaiya was awarded
the Commandant’s Silver Medal and the Ad- DCC Suraj Singh, winner of Commandant’s Silver
miral’s Trophy, for standing first in Comp Sc Medal and the Chief of Army Staff Trophy
Stream. DCC Suraj Singh was awarded the
Commandant’s Silver Medal and the Chief of
Army Staff Trophy, for standing first in Social
Sc Stream. DCC AS Kondal was awarded the
CISC Trophy for standing first in BTech
stream.

DCC AS Kondal, winner of CISC Trophy

Passing out cadets, their parents and the


officers of the Academy were present on the
occasion. The Ceremony culminated with the
vote of thanks by Maj Gen Sanjeev Dogra,
Deputy Commandant & Chief Instructor.

CQMS Ravi Kumar, winner of Commandant’s Silver


Medal and the Chief of Air Staff Trophy

20
CONVOCATION ADDRESS BY
THE CHIEF GUEST

Convocation Address by Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Ayog

Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar , Commandant, ready to take the first steps in a world where
National Defence Academy, Maj Gen San- your commitment to your own aspirations will
jeev Dogra Deputy Commandant, Principal, be tested on a continuous basis. I am sure the
Prof Shukla , members of the academic com- National Defence Academy has prepared you
mittee , distinguished guests, proud parents more than well as you will play a key role to
who have assembled here today, graduating make India a global power. While you serve
cadets and ladies and gentlemen, I am truly your country and defend it against its adversar-
delighted and indeed honoured to be here ies, you must know that you are not just de-
this morning to deliver the convocation ad- fending India, you are defending a country
dress to the elite graduates of this cradle of which has the potential to lead the world order.
military leadership whose alumnus have done We have a vision and we are working to turn
yeoman’s service as the sentinels of nation’s this vision into a reality. By keeping our country
sovereignty and integrity. The spirit of dedica- safe you have a major role to play in helping us
tion and unquestioned loyalty that the profes- realize this vision.
sion of arms displays is truly unique. No offer- Our world is undergoing rapid transitions on
ing therefore by a soldier in the service of the the back of factors such as technology, evolv-
motherland is trivial. The demands that sol- ing geopolitics, global value chain disruptions
diering places on the physical, mental, emo- and most importantly the challenges posed by
tional and moral faculties of the soldier is truly climate change and an altered global economic
unparalleled. I congratulate the cadets of the order post the COVID 19 pandemic. Despite
142nd course for not only earning an aca- these challenges we have made tremendous
demic degree but also successfully complet- efforts to ensure that India continues to witness
ing the rigours of all aspects of your outdoor unprecedented levels of economic develop-
training. I must also congratulate the parents ment and technological innovations. From 2021
of the graduating cadets for taking the deci- to 2022 India’s economy grew at 8.9% and is
sion to dedicate their wards to the service of expected to grow at similar rates in the coming
the motherland. This is indeed a significant years making us one of the fastest growing
sacrifice. Graduating cadets you are now large economies in the world.

21
Many reforms have been undertaken by the this would continue exponentially and this is
Government of India to set us on this path for what is known as Law of Accelerating Returns.
stellar economic growth. A fully digital and pa- The point here is that the most powerful tool
perless tax in the form Goods and Services for transformation today even for the defence
Tax, the Insolvency, Bankruptcy Code, the and armed forces will be technology. It has ap-
Real Estate Law, lowering of corporate tax, de plicability across the spectrum particularly for
-monopolization of minerals and coals, the defence and armed forces. Your ability to lev-
new definition of MSMEs to name a few. erage technology will play a very defining role
The power of technology in ensuring good in your success. However we need to be wary
governance has been on display in the past of the fact that our vision to become a large
few years. Let me give you a few examples world power is not going to come without op-
that will compel you to think about the power position. We will need to be cautious of the
that technology holds. Let me give you the ex- shifting geopolitics and the changing nature of
ample of the Unified Payment Interface, what the battlefield. Look at tanks, they rule the bat-
you term as the UPI. Today even when you tlefield commanding and controlling large
go to US or Europe which we consider as very tracts of land is now a thing of the past as the
advanced, you will find a very heavy domi- Russia-Ukraine War has demonstrated. Tanks
nance of cash payments. In India we have the have become easy targets for drones, missiles
UPI. With the click of a button on your phone etc. As technology evolves so will warfare.
you can make digital payments to anyone New forms of kinetic warfare, autonomous ve-
starting from your vegetable vendor to an up- hicles, drones and non-kinetic warfare, cyber
market retail store. UPI has been shattering warfare, information warfare will shake the
its own record. India has surpassed US and world in the years to come. All of you need to
China in digital financial transactions. India be prepared and you young cadets must lead
had the highest real time payments among this change. The challenge for the armed
the businesses in the world with over 40% of forces which you all will have to confront will
such payments being made in India. be to determine the proportion of the budget
Therefore I am of the view that technological that will have to be shared between force sus-
convergence today is of absolute essence. I tainment and force modernization. Force
would recommend that you read the book modernization and technological leapfrogging
“The Future Is Faster Than You Think” by Pe- will be the key to defence sectors growth and
ter Diamandis and Stephen Kotler. This book progress. The good news is that India has
has not been written by an officer of the achieved much technologically in the past few
armed forces but I must recommend that years. Significant capabilities have been built
every single one of you must pick and read up in our educational institutes, start ups and
this. It will compel you to think, it will compel corporates in leveraging technologies of the
you to realize that technology will drive future. In integrating technologies to develop
change. That the future will be driven by tech- a future ready force the private sector must be
nology and compel you to take technology ori- seen as a partner. Much innovation can be
ented approaches. I read about Moor’s Law in driven through this ecosystem which can have
this book in 1965 the founder of Intel Gordon both military and civilian capabilities. We will
Moor noticed that transistors in an integrated need to leverage technological expertise from
circuits had been doubling every 18 months corporates, start ups and educational institu-
without increased cost. So every one and a tions to be ready for this changing nature of
half years a computer became twice as pow- warfare. Government of India through its initia-
erful and yet the cost remained the same. tive which is known as IDEX has been engag-
Moor’s law is the reason why the smart phone ing start-ups in defence to foster innovation.
in your pocket is a thousand times smaller, a Today we have many start-ups in defence
thousand times cheaper and a million times space which are using technological innova-
more powerful than a supercomputer from the tions such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data
1970s. Once a technology goes digital it fol- Analytics, Electric Unmanned Ground Vehi-
lows Moor’s Law. We will use technology to cles, Secured Communications and Geo Spa-
design even better newer technologies and tial Surveillance to strengthen our defence.

22
I am of the belief that geospatial systems be no compromise. However to all this you
and maps and drones will occupy a funda- must also add communication skills and emo-
mental role in helping visualize and under- tional intelligence. This will play a great role for
stand and inform decision making in the you to become better communicator and help in
armed forces in the future. They will also be sustaining a sense of equanimity in trying cir-
critical in agriculture, water, infrastructure cumstances. A leader must also be a visionary
and the environment. These tools are criti- always willing to alter status quo and be an
cal in not only supporting regular operations agent of change. So you must change do not
but are instrumental in deriving an insight become just a status quoist. Become an
that may otherwise remain unseen. The agent of change and finally all said and done
geospatial policy, the remote sensing policy there is no greater precept of leadership that
and the drone rules have made the tech one can adhere to than leading by example. A
space more exciting than ever. I am glad leader must not only be exemplary in conduct
that drones are already in operation and but also exemplary in deed. They must be con-
very soon you will have the Rustom with sistent in their character and conduct.
you. We must understand that while GIS I am particularly delighted to hear that girls will
tools and technology have been around for be joining this very unique institution from next
a long time but the recent innovations in ar- year. When I was studying in St Stephens Col-
tificial intelligence and machine learning, big lege it was a all male bastion. There were no
data analytics, cloud based dynamic archi- girls in St Stephens College but by the time my
tecture signify a whole new technological daughter went to St Stephens College the Eco-
paradigm. We have a lot of data in India. nomics Honours class which I had studied dur-
We are a data rich country but how do we ing my time at St Stephens College, 88% of the
become data intelligent and how do we use class were girls who had got through pure
this data intelligently by the army to make merit. They were highly qualified. You will face
use of these innovations and to drive inno- this challenge of girls competing with you and
vations in the defence space. With new excelling. I am sure that each one of you will
geospatial policies, new guidelines, new emerge as great leaders who will bring about
drone policies we are creating a dynamic change and transformation in themselves, the
space not only for the armed forces and the armed forces and the entire country.
industry to flourish but also make it easy to
May God prosper you in your journey ahead. I
innovate and usher in a new era of problem
would like to take this opportunity to particularly
solving.
compliment your parents and teachers who
Innovation is required not merely for have contributed so significantly to your life.
technological transformation but also for Whatever I am today is to the greatest measure
working our way through all kinds of every- on account of my parents and teachers who
day solutions as well as challenging battle- have contributed to me and therefore all of you
field scenarios. As leaders of the armed must really thank your parents who are here in
forces you will need to develop lateral think- such large numbers and I am particularly de-
ing and to develop such thinking you need lighted that all the parents are here and are
to develop the habit of curiosity. Please use spending time with you. And I am really de-
this period to congregate your mid as to lighted that NDA invites all the parents to the
move to the next phase of career and keep convocation and the passing out parade. Be-
increasing the horizons of your knowledge. cause whatever you are and whatever you be-
You need to be students for life not only come in life will all be because of your parents
keeping abreast of the latest developments and teachers.
in the areas of your professional interest
I once again wish you all the very best in the
while also being conversant with the current
exciting life ahead and I wish you all success
affairs so that you can transform your
and I really hope and pray that you become
knowledge into action. I am aware that
great ambassadors of India and contribute to
each one of you has been taught the virtues
the defence and security of India. Thank you
of honesty and integrity, courage and loy-
very much ladies and gentlemen.
alty, selflessness and sacrifice which are
essential military virtues on which there can

23
CHIEFS OF STAFF BANNER
OVERALL SQUADRON POSITIONS
FOR SPRING TERM-2022

Position Squadron Position Squadron

First M Ninth J
Second O Tenth C
Third N Eleventh I
Fourth B Twelfth P
Fifth H Thirteenth E
Sixth K Fourteenth D
Seventh F Fifteenth A
Eighth G Sixteenth L

‘M’ Squadron Receiving the Chiefs of Staff Banner for Spring Term-2022

24
MEDALS AND TROPHIES: SPRING TERM-2022
MEDALS
Award Winner Acd No/Sqn/Crs
President’s Gold Medal ACA Abhimanyu Singh 39686/M/142
(First in Overall Order of Merit)
President’s Silver Medal BCA Arvind Chauhan 39708/O/142
(Second in Overall Order of Merit)
President’s Bronze Medal SCC Nitin Sharma 39854/N/142
(Third in Overall Order of Merit)
Commandant's Silver Medal for standing CQMS Ravi Kumar 39589/M/142
First in Science Stream (B.Sc.)
Commandant's Silver Medal for standing DCC Suraj Kumar 39831/H/142
First in Social Science Stream (B.A.)
Commandant's Silver Medal for standing BCA Shivam Kanhaiya 39562/K/142
First in Computer Science Stream {B.Sc. (CS)}
Silver Medal - First in Order of Merit in B Tech Cdt Anmol Singh 39630/C/142
Kondal
Gold Medal - Best All Round Army Cadet ACA Abhimanyu Singh 39686/M/142
Gold Medal - Best All Round Naval Cadet SCC Akashdeep Kalia 39662/A/142
Gold Medal - Best All Round Air Force Cadet SCC Ajay Singh 39614/D/142
Rathore
Gold Medal - Lachit Borphukan Medal for Best Cadet BCC Manmohan 39627/G/142
in Officer Like Qualities
Silver Medal - Best Speaker for Award of Cdt V Priyaranjan 40616/J/145
Commandant’s Medal in Inter Squadron Public
Speaking Competition
Silver Medal - Best Cadet in Drill SCC Ajay Singh 39614/D/142
Rathore
Silver Medal - Best Cadet in PT ACA Abhimanyu Singh 39686/M/142
Silver Medal - Best Cadet in Sports BCA Sidharth Singh 39689/G/142
Silver Medal - Best Cadet in Riding DCC Parshant 39605/K/142
Silver Medal - Best Cadet in Sailing Cdt Vikramaditya 39542/K/142
Silver Medal for Showing Overall Improvement in Cdt Milind Tyagi 39763/N/142
Performance while Training at the Academy
Silver Medal - First in Overall Joint Service Training CQMS Prateek Singh 39616/G/142
Programme
Silver Medal - Commandant's Special Medal SCC Abhishek Mani 39567/J/142
for displaying Outstanding Devotion to Duty Tripathi
Silver Medal for Exceptional Leadership ACC Kumar Saurav 39595/P/142
Silver Medal - Best Foreign Cadet in Academics Cdt Karma Ngawang 39872-B/A/142
Phuntsho
Silver Medal - Best Foreign Cadet in OLQ DCC Ashurov Komiljon 39618-T/J/142

Silver Medal - Best Foreign Cadet in Sports DCC Ashurov Komiljon 39618-T/J/142

25
MEDALLIONS/TROPHIES
Award Winner Acd
No/Sqn/Crs
Trophy for Best All Round Army Cadet ACA Abhimanyu Singh 39686/M/142
Trophy for Best All Round Naval Cadet SCC Akashdeep Kalia 39662/A/142
Trophy for Best All Round Air Force Cadet SCC Ajay Singh 39614/D/142
Rathore
Rolling Trophy presented by Lt Gen SPP Thorat, BCC Manmohan 39627/G/142
DSO, KC (Retd) for Best Cadet in Officer Like
Qualities
Exceptional Leadership Award - Trophy presented by ACC Kumar Saurav 39595/P/142
45th NDA Course
Commandant’s Motivation Trophy for Showing Overall Cdt Milind Tyagi 39763/N/142
Improvement in Performance while Training at the
Academy
Chiefs of Staff (COS) Trophy and Medallion for the Cdt Abhay Patel 39765/A/142
Best Cadet for Maximum Contribution Towards
Jointmanship
Trophy for Best Sportsman of Passing Out Course BCA Sidharth Singh 39689/G/142
presented by 17th NDA Course
COAS Trophy presented by Gen K Sundarji, PVSM CQMS Ravi Kumar 39589/M/142
(Retd) and Medallion of the Trophy for Standing First
in Science Stream (B.Sc.)
CAS Trophy, presented by Air Chief Marshal NC Suri, DCC Suraj Kumar 39831/H/142
PVSM, AVSM, VM (Retd) and Medallion of the Trophy
for Standing First in Social Science Stream (B.A.)
Admiral’s Trophy presented by Admiral Sureesh BCA Shivam Kanhaiya 39562/K/142
Mehta, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chief of Naval Staff
(Retd) and Medallion of the Trophy for Standing First
in Computer Science Stream {B.Sc. (CS)}
Cdt Anmol Singh 39630/C/142
CISC Trophy and Medallion of the Trophy for First in Kondal
Order of Merit in B Tech Stream
Commandant's Trophy presented by Air Marshal I P SCC Abhishek Mani 39567/J/142
Vipin, VM for displaying outstanding Devotion to Duty Tripathi
Defence Minister’s Trophy for the winner of Inter ‘K’ Squadron
Squadron Academic championship
Trophy presented by 39th NDA Course for the Best ‘J’ Squadron
Squadron in Inter Squadron Public Speaking
Competition and Quiz Competition
The Trophy presented by Lt Gen Nathu Singh for the ‘M’ Squadron
Best Squadron in Inter Squadron PT Competition
The cup presented by Government of West Bengal for ‘G’ Squadron
the Best Squadron in Games
Vice Admiral Sir Stephen Carlill for the Best Ship ‘K’ Squadron
Shape Squadron
Air Chief Marshal PC Lal Trophy for the Champion No 3 Bn
Battalion
Shield presented by Governor General ‘M’ Squadron
C Rajagopalachari for the Champion Squadron
Rolling Trophy for Book Reading competition ‘J’ Squadron

26
BCC Manmohan being awarded the Rolling Tro- ACC Kumar Saurav being awarded the Trophy
th
phy for Best Cadet in Officer Like Qualities pre- for Exceptional Leadership presented by 45
sented by Lt Gen SPP Thorat, DSO, KC (Retd) NDA Course

SCC AbhIshek Mani Tripathi being awarded the BCA Sidharth Singh being awarded the Best
Commandant’s Trophy for showing outstanding Sportsman Trophy presented by the 17th NDA
devotion to duty Course

DCC Parshant being awarded the Silver Medal for Cdt Vikramaditya being awarded the Silver
the Best Cadet in Riding Medal for the Best Cadet in Sailing

27
NDA BALL SPRING TERM-2022

Commandant declares the NDA Ball open with the rolling of the customary ball
The End of Term activities for the 142nd NDA. They were the toast of the evening and
course began in right earnest with the NDA their conduct was appreciated by all.
Ball which was held on 15 May 2022. The
event was well planned and executed. No
stone unturned to ensure that the evening
was a memorable one which would leave a
lasting impression on all cadets and their
fabulous partners
As per the tradition the ball was set rolling
by Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM,NM,
Commandant, NDA. This was followed by the
customary waltz by officers and their ladies.
The cadets of the 142nd course then took to
the dance floor along with their dance part-
ners. Participants of Mr. NDA & Miss NDA competition

The most awaited event for the evening


was the selection of candidates for Mr. and The evening wouldn’t have been a
Miss NDA. The event was conducted in a success without the support of the Cadets
thoroughly professional manner. During the Mess. The dinner service was commendable
course of the event the DJs mesmerized the wherein they served a feast fit for kings. The
crowd with their foot stomping numbers which snacks and beverages were appreciated by
were suitably augmented by awe inspiring one and all.
lights and explosive sounds. The climax of the The event was a splendid success.
evening was the crowning of DCC Preet
Kundu as Mr. NDA and Miss Rakshita as Miss

28
GLIMPSES FROM NDA BALL

Mr NDA and Miss NDA with the


Commandant and the First Lady

Commandant with the First Lady Live Performance by a Fire Juggler

Cadets hitting the dance floor

29
NDA EXPO

Inauguration of NDA Expo by Mrs Reyman Kochhar, President, FWO

In order to ensure all round development of pose of showcasing the various club activities
the cadets a number of extra curricular activi- to the visiting parents and other guests during
ties are organised during his stay at the NDA. the end of term. The NDA Expo for Spring
A cadet is permitted to pursue a hobby (Club) Term-2022 was organised from 27-29 May
of his choice. The aim of these club activities 2022. The various clubs came together to put
is to provide an opportunity for self- up an excellent display which was appreciated
expression through the creative use of leisure by one and all.
time. Clubs function under an officer as Offi- Cadets from the various clubs who had per-
cer Advisor (OA) assisted by a Joint Officer formed exceedingly well in their respective
Advisor (JOA). As part of the end of term ac- club activities were awarded proficiency
tivities all of these clubs come together to or- awards during the Expo.
ganise the NDA Expo which serves the pur-

The Western Music Club stall at NDA Expo The Scuba Diving Club stall at NDA Expo

30
MOTIVATIONAL AWARDS FOR CLUBS
SPRING TERM-2022
S.No Acad No/ Sqn/ Name Club
Course
(i) 40300/N/144 Cdt Kamarti Vishnu Astronomy
(ii) 40129/C/143 Cdt Shubham K Mishra AI & Robotics
(iii) 40142/G/143 Sgt Avinash Kumar Automotive
(iv) 40121/N/143 Cdt Divya Pareek Dramatics
(v) 41061/H/146 Cdt Abhaas Gupta Indian Classical Music
(vi) 41124/P/146 Cdt Sahil Kumar Western Music
(vii) 39926/B/143 Cdt Sagar Jain Western Music
(viii) 41148/N/146 Cdt A Bhadauriya Sailing
(ix) 40713/P/145 Cdt Sharad Negi Sailing
(x) 40821/J/145 Cdt Gurmukh Singh Aeromodelling
(xi) 40765/F/145 Cdt Harsh Sao Skeet Shooting
(xii) 39964/H/143 Cdt AP Mohanty Squash
(xiii) 41143/F/146 Cdt Dhruv Singh Golf
(xiv) 39970/O/143 Sgt Henriques Ryan Deric Dance
(xv) 39989/H/143 Cdt Varun Singh Dance
(xvi) 41317/O/146 Cdt Bhargav M Bakale Riding & Polo
(xvii) 41069/L/146 Cdt Prakhar Negi Riding & Polo
(xviii) 40786/B/145 Cdt Shakti Singh Painting & Sketching
(xix) 40937/M/145 Cdt Mitul Kumar Painting & Sketching
(xx) 40880/A/145 Cdt Leishangthem Cha Badal Photography
Kumar

Winner of Proficiency Award being awarded by Mrs Reyman Kochhar, President, FWO

31
PT & EQUITATION DISPLAY
SPRING TERM-2022

Sky Diving Display by Air Force Sky Diving Team

Display by ETT Display by PTT

Flying Display by AFTT Display by ATT

32
ON/OFF CAMPUS NOTES
1. Academy Quiz Competition (Final) was held on 07 Feb 2022 at 1830 hrs at Habibullah
Hall under the aegis of Education Branch. The results are as follows:

Position Academy No Sqn Course Name


Winner 40111 L 143 Cdt Swaroop Pravin Shete
40181 I 143 Sgt Arnav Shanker
st
1 Runners 41197 J 146 Cdt Abhishek Chaudhary
Up 41276 I 146 Cdt Dhirren Mohan
2nd Runners 39561 J 142 CSM Devesh Kumar Chaudhary
Up
39560 C 142 SCC Chaitenye Gupta
th
4 Position 40624 I 145 Cdt Shashwat Tiwari
40707 O 145 Cdt Saptarshi Kar
th
5 Position 40233 C 144 Cdt Harshit Guleria
40247 I 144 Cdt Prathamesh Sanjay Hase

Academy Quiz Competition Spring Term-2022


2. Inter Battalion Variety Entertainment Programme was held on 09 Apr 2022 at 1800 hrs
at Habibullah Hall under the aegis of Education Branch. The result of the Inter Battalion Vari-
ety Entertainment Programme are as follows:

Inter Battalion Variety Entertainment Programme Spring Term-2022

33
(a) Battalion Positions
S.No Battalion Position
(i) No 3 Battalion First
(ii) No 4 Battalion Second
(iii) No 1 Battalion Third
(iv) No 2 Battalion Fourth

(b) Individual Positions


Best Dance- No 3 Bn
Best Skit- No 1 Bn
Best Musical Performance- No 3 Bn
Best Entertainer- 40543/I/144 Cdt Platinum Arambam
3. Inter Battalion English Debate Competition, Spring Term-2022 was held on 23 Feb 22
at Habibullah Hall at 1830 hrs under the aegis of Education Branch. The results of the same
are as follows:
(a) Battalion Positions
S.No Battalion Position
(i) No 3 Battalion First
(ii) No 1 Battalion Second
(iii) No 2 Battalion Third
(iv) No 4 Battalion Fourth

(b) Individual Positions


S.No Acad No/Sqn/Course Name Position
(i) 40006/J/143 Sgt Akashkaswan Best Speaker
(ii) 40092/D/143 Sgt Agam First Runner up
(iii) 40163/J/143 Sgt Vandan K.Sharma Second Runner up
(c) Winner of the Commandant’s Book Prize
(i) 40163/J/143 Sgt Vandan K Sharma

Inter Battalion English Debate Competition Spring Term-2022

34
4. A Hindi play titled “Andher Nagari” was staged by the cadets on 11 Apr 22 at 1830 hrs at
Habibullah Hall.

Hindi Play Andheri Nagari

5. A cultural programme was conducted on 13 Apr 22 at 1800 hrs at Habibullah Hall


wherein distinguished vocalist Shri Sairam Iyer & his team performed.

Cultural Programme by Shri Sairam Iyer

6. Mid Term Adventure Hikes for the cadets were conducted during the Mid Term Break of
Spring Term-2022. The hikes were as follows:
(a) Adventure Hike to Rajgarh Fort

35
(b) Adventure Hike to Tikona Fort

7. Cadets went on a Mid Term Educational tour to Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre,
Belgaum from 17– 20 Mar 2022 during their Mid Term Break.

36
GUEST LECTURES
The Academy invites eminent personalities from all walks of life to share their wisdom and ex-
periences with the cadets every term. The following guest lectures were organised during
Spring Term-2022:
S.No Name of the Speaker Topic

(i) Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur, ‘A Military Vision of Self: Do you have one?’
VM (Retd)

(ii) Shri Baba Kalyani ‘Self-Reliance in India’s Defence Industry’


(iii) Wg Cdr Nirupama Pandey ‘My Experience on Mount Everest Summit’

(iv) Shri Sanjeev Kapoor ‘Mantra for Life– Key Essential for One’s
Growth’
(v) Lt Gen Pradeep Chandran Nair, ‘Counter Insurgency Situationin the North
AVSM, YSM East Region and Role of Assam Rifles

(vi) Brig Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, KC, Mountains and Battlefield: My Experiences,
SC, SM,VSM Impressions and Lessons for Life

Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur, VM (Retd) Shri Baba Kalyani

Lt Gen Pradeep Chandran Nair, AVSM, YSM Brig Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, KC, SC, SM,VSM

37
INTER SQUADRON DRILL COMPETITION
S.No Award Acad No/Sqn/Crs Name
1. Best SCC in Sword Drill 39560/C/142 SCC Chaitenye Gupta
2. Best SCC in Word of Command 39716/L/142 SCC AUD Ghorpade
3. Best CSM 39843/O/142 CSM Mihir Gadgil
4. Best DCC in Drill 39877-B/O/142 DCC Tshering Penjor
5. Trophy for Best Squadron in Drill ‘C’ Squadron
Competition

‘C’ Squadron with the Drill Competition Winner’s Trophy

SCC Chaitenye Gupta and CSM Amandeep of ‘C’ Squadron receiving the trophy
for the Best Squadron in Drill Competition

38
ARMY TRAINING TEAM

1. The aim of Army Training Team (ATT) at Map Reading (MR), Radio Telephony (RT),
National Defence Academy is to train the Field Engineering (FE), Tactics and Weapon
Army cadets to be proficient in basic soldierly Training (WT).
skills to lead a Section as part of Platoon in
4. Important Training Events. In addition to
combat effectively and efficiently. During
training of VI Term Army Cadets, the ATT suc-
Spring Term 2022, training in Service Sub-
cessfully conducted the following events dur-
ject (SS) & Specialist Service Subjects (SSS)
ing Spring Term 2022:
was imparted to 215 Army Cadets of 142nd
Course and 212 Army Cadets of 143rd (a) Firing for Naval and Air Force Ca-
Course. In addition, basic weapon training dets of VI Term.
was imparted to all the cadets of 142nd and
143rd Course as part of Foundation Course. (b) Firing for cadets of III Term and IV
Term (Foundation Course).
Training Events
2. Foundation Course (Weapon Training).
As part of Foundation Course, cadets of III &
IV Term are given basic training in handling
and firing of 5.56 mm INSAS Rifle.
3. Specialist Service Subjects. 215 Army
Cadets of 142nd Course and 212 Army Ca-
dets of 143rd Course were imparted Army
training during Spring Term 2022. The ca-
dets displayed keen interest towards Service
training and achieved standards that will en-
able them to take on training at Indian Mili-
tary Academy with confidence. VI Term Army
cadets were trained in basic skills including
Weapons Training Class

39
5. Service /Visits. Visits and Service attach- 6. Utilisation of Training Aids. Training Aids
ments provide NDA Cadets an insight into the available were optimally utilised. Some of the
organisation and functioning of military units, aspects on state of the art training aids avail-
thus facilitating better correlation of NDA able are highlighted below:-
training with their future employment as mili-
tary Officers. During Spring Term-2022, Army (a) Firing and Training on Drona
Training Team organised following Service Simulators. The cadets were given
training visits for cadets: squad post training on handling of 5.56
mm INSAS Rifle and 5.56mm Light Ma-
Date Course Place chine Gun (LMG). They were trained on
05 Jan 22 142 Course CME, Pune the Drona simulators prior to the conduct
of actual firing.
(VI Term)
(b) Cut out Models of 5.56 INSAS Ri-
17 Mar 22 145 Course 330 Infantry fle. Cut Section Model of INSAS Rifle is
(III Term) Brigade used for better understanding of cycle of
operation and various parts of INSAS Ri-
19 Mar 22 143 Course MIRC, fle. Presently ten Cut Section Models are
Ahmednagar held with this training team.
(V Term)

29 Apr 22 142 Course BEG Centre


(VI Term)

Weapons Training Class

7. Training Initiatives. The following training


MIRC Training Visit initiatives were taken in Spring Term 2022:
(a) Training Methodology post COVID
-19. Keeping in mind reduction in COVID
-19 cases, the Army Training Team insti-
tuted the following initiatives to ensure
high standards of training:
(i) All the map reading and naviga
tion class/exercise were organised
inside NDA campus after carrying out
recce to select suitable locations for
the same.
(ii) No intermingling of squadron
were ensured as a precautionary
measure during conduct of all types of
330 Infantry Brigade visit training by Army Training Team.

40
(b) Josh Run. The following initiatives
were incorporated in “Josh Run”:
(i) Identification of route for josh run
within NDA premises to avoid move-
ment of Cadets in populated civil ar-
eas.
(ii) Keeping in mind the difficulty
level in routes, additional hydration
points were created at selected loca-
tions to ensure cadets remain hy-
drated during josh run.

Josh Run (c) Firing Point System in Exercise


Hamla. To avoid the necessity of zeroed
(iii) Ideal locations giving the exact weapons, firing competition based on
terrain layout for Exercise-Trishul size of group by each cadet was intro-
were identified at Gen area Hirpodi duced on a figure 4’x4’ target.
& Dapode to give cadets exposure
of offensive and defensive opera-
tions

8. Firing Competition
Future Visualisation and Projects.
(a) Electronic Target System (Smart
Terrain Overview
Target System : 08 Lane).
(iv) Regular spray of hygiene & (i) Electronic Target System con-
sanitation chemicals of the camp lo- sists of electronic targets at the tar-
cation were ensured. get end and monitoring system at
the firing point which enables a firer
to see the hit of bullets without going
to target end.
(ii) Electronic Target System will
provide the instructor at the firing
end a facility to check the accuracy
of the shots fired and give corrective
exercises accordingly.
(iii) It will obviate the physical move-
ment of firer towards the target end
to check and repair the targets
which will lead to saving of time.

41
10. SI (Army) Prize Distribution Spring Term-2022. Meritorious cadets were awarded
awards for excellence in various Service Subjects. The Award Winners are as follows:
(a) Order of Eklavya
(i) 39828/K Cdt Abhinav Kumar
(b) Bayonet Pin
(i) 39686/M ACA Abhimanyu Singh
(ii) 39599/N DCC Vicky Pawar
(iii) 39854/N SCC Nitin Sharma
(iv) 39765/A DCC Abhay Patel
(v) 39708/O BCA Arvind Chauhan
(vi) 39641/D Cdt Dapinderdeep Singh Gill
(vii) 39543/N Cdt R Aniketh Loganathan
(viii) 39758/K Cdt Shantanu Kapur
(ix) 39755/N Cdt Karan Singh
(x) 39721/N CSM Pratik Parashram Patil
(xi) 39554/M SCC Anurag Kanav
(c) Best Cadet in Map Reading: 39599/N DCC Vicky Pawar
(d) Best Cadet in Tactics: 39854/N SCC Nitin Sharma
(e) Best Cadet in Weapon Training : 39370/A DCC B R Gautam
(f) Best Cadet in Weapon Handling: 39828/K Cdt Abhinav Kumar
39646/H Cdt Anurag Pawar
(f) Medallion.
(i) Overall Best Cadet : 39686/M ACA Abhimanyu Singh
in Specialist Service Subjects
(ii) Overall Second Best Cadet : 39599/N DCC Vicky Pawar
in Specialist Service Subjects

(h) Squadron Cup/Trophy


(i) Best Squadron in Map Reading - ‘N’ Squadron
(ii) Best Squadron in Weapon Training - ‘N’ Squadron
(iii) Best Squadron in Tactics - ‘N’ Squadron
(iv) Best Squadron in Specialist - ‘N’ Squadron
Service Subjects

(j) Inter Squadron Firing Competition


(i) First Position : 39739/D Cdt Preet Kundu
(ii) Second Position : 39764/H Cdt G Sreeram
(iii) Third Position : 39627/G ACC Manmohan
(iv) Best Squadron : ‘K’ Squadron

42
NAVAL TRAINING TEAM

1. India is primarily a maritime nation and a strong Team. Apart from Specialist Service Training,
Navy is an important element of every maritime Watermanship Clubs are also conducted at WTC.
nation. Of all the diverse elements that go into the Two Clubs, the NDA Sailing Club, and Rowing
making of strong and effective navy, no single fac- and Kayaking Club function at WTC. The infra-
tor is as important as its men. The Navy thus re- structure for club activities has been upgraded
quires officers who are scholarly leaders capable progressively with special emphasis to maintain a
of commanding men and skilled in using latest safe environment for the cadets. A robust Rescue
equipment. The foundations of a Seafarer and a organisation and sufficient rescue boats are
Naval Officer are laid by the Naval Training Team maintained.
(NTT) at NDA. The team is tasked to nurture and 6. Specialist Service Training. Theoretical
groom the cadets, transform them from land lub- Specialist Service training is being imparted in
bers into budding Sea farers. class rooms by multimedia enabled class rooms
2. The mission of Naval Training Team at NDA is and practical seamanship training is undertaken
to impart knowledge of Navigation, Seamanship at Watermanship Training Centre. The OOW
and communication to cadets (theoretical and ROR Simulator, Seamanship Model room, Train-
practical aspects) in order to enable them to carry ing Ship Ronnie Pereira, powered and non-
out basic Navigation, Seamanship and Bridgeman- powered boats form the main stay of training in-
ship duties under supervision. frastructure that is utilised for practical training.
3. The vision of the team is to mentor and train 37 Naval Cadets of the 142nd course have suc-
cadets into technologically competent , profession- cessfully completed their Naval Specialist training
ally sound and resilient junior leaders who are ca- in Spring Term-2022.
pable of responding to all maritime challenges
4. The naval training team conducts basic practi-
cal and theoretical training on seamanship, naviga-
tion and communication subjects in accordance
with the approved ISSG syllabus. Additionally, wa-
termanship activities for naval cadets and water-
manship clubs for II to V term cadets are also con-
ducted under the aegis of NTT. Such activities in-
culcate a spirit of adventure, competition and
sportsmanship through water sports. he team also
trains cadets of the all the three Services in water-
manship activities, the Naval component of Joint-
manship.
5. The Watermanship Training Centre (WTC) at Naval Cadets in Classroom
Peacock Bay functions under the Naval Training

43
Training. ing imparted to them in V and VI term.
7. The team also moulds the cadets so as
to transform them into seafarers by providing na-
val environmentby visits to various naval ships
and units/establishments. Service specific train-
ing is imparted in a two tier system viz., theoreti-
cal instructions in classrooms and practical in-
structions at the Watermanship Training Centr
8. A few facets of service specific training
are enumerated below:-.
(a) E Learning and Classroom Instruc-
tions. Online Training was imparted to
cadets during the non-contact phase at
the beginning of the term wherein Service
Subjects were taught to cadets through Light Jackstay Demonstration by VI Term Naval
NDA CAN. The training material including Cadets
PPTs/ CBT/ CAI packages were uploaded
on LMS/ E-learning on CAN and was 9. Sailing Expedition to Mandovi Gaon. Sailing
available to each cadet through LMS. Vid- Expedition to Mandovi Gaon was conducted on 11
eos and CBT/CAI packages, in particular, Feb 22. The primary objective of the expedition was
were beneficial and provided the neces- to expose the cadets to the nuances of DK Whaler
sary link to bridge the gap between class sailing. Naval Cadets of VI term participated in the
room instruction and e-learning. Theory expedition. The cadets were divided into six groups
classes were conducted in classroom and and each group was accompanied by an Officer
practical training were conducted at WTC and Sailor Instructor. The cadets sailed till Mandovi
during the control phase of training. Gaon, around seven nautical miles from Peacock
(b) Practical Instructions. Videos CBT/ Bay and back. The expedition was extremely useful
CAI packages were utilised for, seaman- for the naval cadets as it emphasised the impor-
ship, Rigging, Anchor work, Chart work tance of sail training. It provided the cadets an op-
and Rel-Vel subjects. In addition practical portunity to apply their theoretical knowledge of rig-
training classes were also conducted. ging and rope work to practical use.
(c) TDEC. The Training Design and
Evaluation cell at NTT carried out continu-
ous analysis of the efficiency of training
curriculum through feedback result analy-
sis, mid-term course critique, instructor
evaluation and analysis of the training
plans. Corrective measures were imple-
mented based upon the analysis and the
Squadron Naval Directing Staff were also
kept in the loop on a case to case basis.
(d) Simulator Training. OOW/ ROR
simulator was used extensively for provid-
ing exposure in Bridgemanship. Cadets
were able to demonstrate a good under-
standing of Bridge Watchkeeping Organi- Mandovi Gaon Sailing Expedition by VI term Naval
sation and functions of various posts dur- Cadets in Khadakwasla Lake on 11 Feb 22
ing pilotage and cruising Stations during
10. A Day Aboard at Sea - Phase I and II. Phase
simulator training.
I and II of ‘A Day Aboard at Sea’ exercise was con-
(e) TS Ronnie Pereira. During Day ducted at Watermanship Training Centre, NTT from
Aboard at Sea Phase I and II numerous 11 to 12 Feb 22 and 04 to 05 Apr 22 respectively.
activities/exercises were conducted on Three watch system was followed on-board TS
board TS Ronnie Pereira to give the ca- Ronnie Pereira under the supervision of nominated
dets a real time feel of naval ship and to Naval DS and Sailor Instructors. The cadets were
consolidate theoretical and practical train- acquainted with the duties of OOW, QM, Lookout,

44
Lifebuoy Sentry and Side boy during the watches. dets were familiarised with Watch and
A dummy routine was run for each watch to famil- Station Bill, Degrees of Readiness, func-
iarise the cadets with the watch system on-board tions of various action posts and rotation
ships. Also, cadets were trained on Bridgemanship of personnel during Action Station. Action
aspects in the OOW ROR Simulator during the ex- messing was also carried out for cadets.
ercise.
(d) OOW/ ROR Simulator. The cadets
11. A lecture-cum demonstration on “Survival at have been able to demonstrate a good
Sea” for all VI term Naval and Air Force cadets, V understanding of the Bridge Watch keep-
term Naval cadets and all cadets of Watermanship ing Organisation and functions of various
Club was conducted at Watermanship Training
posts during Pilotage and Cruising Sta-
Centre on 16 Apr 22.
tions. In addition, advanced ROR situa-
tions were also demonstrated and ex-
plained utilising in-house designed and
fabricated Navigational Light and Visual
Signalling Training Model.
(e) Journal Writing and Campaign Stud-
ies. In order to enhance soft skills and to
develop the power of expression, both
written and speech, Naval cadets of V and
VI term were tasked with journal writing
and campaign studies. For campaign
studies cadets were tasked to prepare a
written appreciation and a presentation
Lecture and Demonstration on Survival at Sea following service writing norms.
(f) Damage Control and Fire-fighting
12. Training Initiatives and Activities. Follow-
Drills. Damage control and Fire-fighting
ing activities were introduced and conducted suc-
drills were demonstrated to the cadets by
cessfully during Spring Term- 2022:
Sailor Instructors. The cadets were trained
(a) Practical Demonstration. Practical in operation of various fire-fighting equip-
demonstration of sea routine was under- ment, organisation and roles of various
taken by a team of Naval DS and Sailor parties during damage control/fire-fighting.
Instructors on-board TS Ronnie Pereira,
wherein the functions and procedures fol-
lowed by various posts on-board IN Ships
was demonstrated to the cadets. Addition-
ally, seamanship evolutions were also dem-
onstrated in lines with the activities under-
taken during Sea Phase of Exercise Va-
runa.
(b) Jointmanship Training. Jointmanship
Training of Army and Air Force cadets of
142nd Course was conducted at Waterman-
ship Training Centre, Peacock Bay on 17
Mar 22. During training phase, Naval ca-
dets of 142nd course demonstrated Light Demonstration of Fire Fighting Exercise to
Jackstay evolution independently. Addition- Cadets
ally, a lecture cum demonstration of cap-
size drill, Power boat handing and Man
Overboard Recovery drills (using lifebuoys)
was also conducted.
(c) Action Stations and Action Messing.
The cadets were put through procedures of
Action stations and Action messing during
both phases of ‘A Day aboard at Sea’. Ca-

45
13. SI (Navy) Prize Distribution for Naval cadets of 142nd Course. SI (Navy) Prize Distribution
Ceremony for award of Anchor pins, trophies, medallion and Book prizes for passing out Naval cadets
of 142 Course was conducted at NTT on 19 May 22. Names of the prize winners are as follows:
(a) Trophies
S. Name of Trophy Winner
No
(i) Cup presented by Govt. of Madras for standing First 39556/J/142 CQMS Shanav Sharma
in Specialist Service Subjects (Navy)

(ii) Cup presented by Admiral Mark Pizey for standing 39713/H/142 Cdt Ashish
Second in Specialist Service Subjects (Navy)

(iii) CNS Trophy presented by Admiral OS Dawson, 39713/H/142 Cdt Ashish


PVSM, AVSM (Retd) for standing First in Astro
Navigation
(iv) Trophy presented by Vice Admiral Madhvendra 39662/A/142 SCC Akashdeep Kalia
Singh PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Flag Officer
Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command
(Retd) for standing First in Seamanship

(b) Book Prizes


S. Name of Book Award Winner
No
(i) First in Specialist Service Subjects (Navy) 39556/J/142 CQMS Shanav Sharma
(ii) Second in Specialist Service Subjects (Navy) 39713/H/142 Cdt Ashish

(iii) Third in Specialist Service Subjects (Navy) 39299/B/142 Cdt Mahesh Akash

(iv) Fourth in Specialist Service Subjects (Navy) 39594/O/142 Cdt Jaandeep Singh Sudan

(v) Fifth in Specialist Service Subjects (Navy) 39662/A/142 SCC Akashdeep Kalia

(vi) First in Astro Navigation 39713/H/142 Cdt Ashish

(c) Motivation Awards Specialist Service Subjects (Navy) - Anchor Pin


S. No Name of the Cadet
(i) 39556/J/142 CQMS Shanav Sharma
(ii) 39713/H/142 Cdt Ashish

(d) Medallion
S. No Name of Medallion/Replica Winner

(i) First in Specialist Service Subjects (Navy) 39556/J/142 CQMS Shanav Sharma

(ii) Second in Specialist Service Subjects (Navy) 39713/H/142 Cdt Ashish


(iii) First in Astro Navigation 39713/H/142 Cdt Ashish

(iv) First in Seamanship 39662/A/142 SCC Akashdeep Kalia

“On life‘s vast ocean, diversely we sail. Reasons the card, passion the gale.” Alexander Pope

46
AIR FORCE TRAINING TEAM

1. The National Defence Academy was es- that he studied in his ground subjects
tablished based on the concept of nurturing classes, mainly Aerodynamics & Principles of
the selected talent for future Military Leaders Flight, Avionics, Airframe and Engines, Instru-
of all the three Services to train jointly to mentation, On-ground and In-air procedures,
achieve a deep routed camaraderie, mutual Airmanship, Meteorology and Aviation Medi-
understanding and respect. The Air Force cine, while he takes off to soar over his own
Training Team (AFTT) was constituted to Alma Mater for three years.
serve as a platform to introduce the Air Force
Cadets of senior term, professional aspects
specific to Air Force. This pattern of senior ca-
dets training together in the Academy, sharing
with their course mates of the sister Services,
their service specific experiences, has stood
the test of time in achieving the primary aim.
2. At AFTT, V Term cadets are introduced to
the basic aspects of aviation through exten-
sive classes covered in nine subjects. Once,
Cadets getting familiar with the Super Dimona
through, the VI term cadets are exposed to
the basics of actual flying, ensconced in the 3. A total of 70 cadets of 142 NDA Course
Super Dimona Piston Engine Multi-utility Air- have undergone this curriculum during Spring
craft of the Austrian Origin. This aircraft is de- Term-2022. Ground training classes of VI
signed to cater for the general aviation enthu- term Air Force cadets started from 27 Jan 21
siasts across the world and aptly meets the whereas the flying training commenced on 18
requirement of ab-initio aviation training. The Jan 22. A total of 516 hours over 688 sorties
flying is spread over 10 dual sorties in which were flown to complete this tasking. This ex-
the cadet is exposed to the practical side of all posure will surely serve as the bedrock in the

47
long process of intensive training and fully established runway with an independent
grooming that awaits him in the Indian Air ATC. Increased concentration on the ground
Force before he matures as a professional training aspects to cater to both B Tech sylla-
Military Aviator. bus as well as computer based training meth-
4. The Air Force ethos of being individually ods, have resulted in a cadet who is selected
accountable to ones actions, unassisted de- early, trained well, motivated and very well
cision making while alone up in the air, and adapted with his peer group in all the three
an all pervading culture of Mission Achieve- Services.
ment without compromising Flight Safety are
rooted in these cadets. This would stand
them in good stead as they traverse the de-
manding career that awaits them.
5. A strong spirit of healthy competition
and controlled killer Instincts has been pro-
gressively instilled in them as they compete
against their own course mates to win the
coveted Flying Pins and Trophies. The se-
lected few also get the honor of flying as a
co-pilot in an aerial display organized for
their parents during the Passing out Parade. Super Dimonas

6. Exercise Garuda for VI term Air Force


8. As the three long years in the cadets life
cadets was conducted at Air Force Acad-
wind down rapidly towards the much awaited
emy, Hyderabad from 28 Apr to 05 May 22.
Passing Out Parade, the team is sanguine that
The cadets were given a glimpse of the fu-
a combination of phased exposure to the Air
ture training curriculum along with flying two
Force, its roles, activities and way of life, along
sorties in the PC-7 Pilatus aircraft simulator.
with the same for the sister services would
Also, III term Air Force cadets visited 2
have inculcated a deeper understanding of
Wing, AF Station Lohegaon, Pune on 17
jointmanship and camaraderie in all the cadets.
Mar 22 as an initial exposure.
In passing out such a cadet to be trained at Air
Force Academy and commissioned into the In-
dian Air Force as an Officer, the NDA has right-
fully lived up to its cherished role of being the
‘Cradle of Military Leadership’.

Visit to AFA

7. Over the years, the National Defence


Academy has progressed from training on
the erstwhile towed glider in the Glider-
Getting to know the Tools of the Trade
drome, to the Super Dimona flown from a

48
9. SI (AF) Prize Distribution for Passing out AF Cadets of 142nd Course - Spring Term
2022:
(a) Flying Pin Winners
(i) 39793/M/142 Cdt Samarth Singh
(ii) 39637/F/142 Cdt Sparsh Kankane
(iii) 39844/L/142 Cdt Aryan Rajpoot
(iv) 39711/E/142 Cdt Bhanuj Gill
(b) First in Service Subjects (AF) Merit
(i) 39152/F/142 Cdt Anirban Bhattacharjee
(c) First in Specialist Service Subjects (AF) Merit
(i) 39793/M/142 Cdt Samarth Singh
(d) Best Air Force Cadet in Flying
(i) 39793/M/142 Cdt Samarth Singh
(e) Book Prizes (142 C) : Specialist Service Subjects (AF) Merit
(i) 39793/M/142 Cdt Samarth Singh
(ii) 39637/F/142 Cdt Sparsh Kankane
(iii) 39844/L/142 Cdt Aryan Rajpoot
(iv) 39711/E/142 Cdt Bhanuj Gill
(v) 39696/P/142 Cdt Yajush Arya

SI (AF) Prize Distribution Spring Term-2022

49
JOINT TRAINING TEAM

1. The need to create a training team to impart leadership qualities and to impart contempo-
formal training on jointmanship, leadership, rary service training to Inculcate Spirit of Joint-
grooming and over all personality development manship.
of a cadet laid the foundation stone for the 4. After a long haul of a mixed schedule of
creation of the Joint Training Team (JTT). This contact and online training for more than two
training team is the youngest amongst the train- years, Spring Term-2022 commenced with full
ing teams in NDA and was established in 2007, -fledged contact training to pre-COVID training
as per recommendations of ISSG-I. Since then, pattern.
the scope of its role and charter has expanded
Training Conducted by JTT
manifold.
5. The aim of training of JTT is to develop the
2. The team has its vision, aim and objectives
code of conduct and traits as desired of a mili-
aligned with that of the NDA itself. The JTT has
tary officer. The training is aimed at setting be-
been undertaking training with the aim of en-
liefs which will in turn inculcate values thus
hancing and coordinating joint training in NDA.
developing a positive attitude leading to de-
The training objectives and charter of JTT en-
sired behavior. This behavior leads to habits
compasses facets to ensure adequate expo-
which will develop as norms and further de-
sure in the elementary war and allied subjects
velop into customs over a period of time. The
for cadets of 1st to 4th term. Through the course
customs exercised over duration will become
of training by JTT the cadets imbibe and appre-
traditions which will further lead to develop-
ciate the functioning of each Service and joint-
ment of a culture. This will further lead to de-
ness between the three Services to enable a
velopment of right beliefs and thus the devel-
cadet to shoulder responsibilities in a Joint
opment cycle will continue to progress.
Warfare Environment. The Joint Services Train-
ing Programme (JSTP) covers all aspects of 6. To achieve the above training objectives,
aspects of Jointmanship, Leadership, Personal- the flow of syllabus is gradual and progressive
ity Development, Ethics and Values of Services in nature so as to enable a cadet to transit
(Military Studies). smoothly in service training curriculum. To-
wards this JTT conducted the following train-
3. The vision statement of JTT is to undertake
ing:
holistic development of a cadet’s character and

50
(a) Military Studies. The 1st to 4th term of campaigns the following wars were taught
cadets were taught Military Studies (MS) highlighting the Jointmanship aspects:
and portions of the Joint Service Training (i) Indo- Pak War 1947-48
Programme (JSTP) comprising of 313 (ii) Sino- Indian War 1962
periods. The subjects taught to the ca-
(iii) Indo- Pak War 1965
dets were:
(iv) Indo- Pak War 1971
(i) Introduction, Role and Organiza-
(v) Op Pawan (Sri Lanka) 1987
tion of Indian Armed Forces,
(v) Op Vijay (Kargil) 1999
(ii) Rank Structure of Services,
(c) Chief of Staff (COS) Trophy Quiz. The
Jointmanship,
COS Trophy Quiz test was conducted on 16
(iii) Ethics & Values, Time Manage- May 22 by JTT for eligible cadets of 142
ment, Gender Sensitivity, Course. The question paper for 200 Marks
(iv) Protection of Children from Sex- was prepared to test the depth of military
ual Offences, and general knowledge possessed by the
(v) Map Reading (MR) Theoretical aspirant cadets.
and practical Outdoor Training, (d) Inter Syndicate Area Study Presenta-
(vi) Intro to Service Writing & Per- tion (4th Semester). For the 4th term cadets
sonnel Application & Practice, Terrain Study of Frontier Area and Indian
Ocean Region (IOR) was introduced as part
(vii) Weapon Training, INSAS Firing,
of the JSTP syllabus for the first time in
(viii) Customs & etiquettes of ser- Spring Term-2021. In order to widen the ho-
vices, Military Leadership, rizon and empower scholarly warriors in
(xi) Initiative, Self-Discipline, Public making Area Study project was introduced
Speaking, as an Inter Syndicate Area Study Presenta-
(x) JSSD Vol. – II, Specific Tradi- tion. This was found to be an effective tool in
tions of Army, Navy & Air Force, developing the analysis ability of the cadets
as they prepared the topics. During Spring
(xi) Courage (Case Study Gallantry Term-2022 each squadron was divided into
award Winner), three syndicates and each syndicate was
(xii) Communication skills, Interper- allotted a topic as given below:
sonal skills,
Sl. Sqn Topics
(xiii) Geneva Conventions, No (Syndicate)
(xiv) Rights and privileges of service (a) A (1,2,3) & (i) South China
personnel,
E (13,13,15) (ii) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(xv) Social Adaptability, Personal
attributes, Group Dynamics & Team (iii) Maldives
work, (b) B (4,5,6) & (i) Guangxi
(xvi) Military Courtesies & Social eti- F (16,17,18) (ii) Balochistan
quettes,
(iii) Mauritius
(xvii) Tenacity, Positive Thinking,
(c) C (7,8,9) & (i) Xinjiang
(xviii) Sense of Responsibility, Deci-
G (19,20,21) (ii) POK (Gilgit Baltistan)
sion Making Leadership and Person-
ality Development topics. (iii) Sri Lanka
(b) Basic operations of each service, (d) D (10,11,12) & (i) Taiwan
study of contemporary military cam- H (22,23,24) (ii) Punjab
paigns, followed by extract and study on
the best leadership traits along with War (iii) Maldives
study were taught to the cadets. In terms

51
Sl. Sqn (Syndicate) Topics (b) Practical MR classes for 146 Course.
No Cadets of 146 course were refreshed upon the
(e) I (25,26,27) & (i) Ningxia basics of day navigation. Practical exercises
M (37,38,39) were also conducted on 04 Feb, 15 Feb & 27
(ii) Balochistan
Feb 22 under the guidance of respective Sqn
(iii) Myanmar DS. The aim of both these exercises was to
(f) J (28,29,30) &
prepare the cadets of second term towards the
(i) Xizang (Tibet)
upcoming camps.
N (40,41,42) (ii) Sindh
(iii) Bangladesh

(g) K (31,32,33) & (i) Guangxi


O (43,44,45) (ii) Punjab
(iii) Nepal
(h) L (34,35,36) & (i) Inner Mongolia
P (46,47,48) (ii) Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa
(iii) Bhutan
Syndicate No 19 of ‘G’ Squadron stood
first and Syndicate No 6 of ‘B’ Squadron
stood second. MR Class
(b) Day Navigation Exercise for 145
8. Training Methodology adapted dur-
Course. Cadets of 145 course were given
ing Spring Term - 2022. The restrictions
dedicated practice of navigation by day under
due to COVID pandemic were lifted in
supervision of their respective DS as part of
gradually and was restored to pre-COVID
Pre-Camp Training on 20 Apr 22. This exer-
training pattern.
cise was aimed at gradually building map
9. Outdoor Activities. As part of the vari- reading skill and knowledge of cadets so as to
ous training activities listed above, JTT be able to undertake the exercise unsuper-
conducted the following outdoor training vised during the camps.
visits/hikes/activities during Spring Term-
2022: (c) Night Navigation Exercise for 144
(a) Practical MR classes for 147 Course. 03xNight Navigation exercises were
Course. A dedicated map reading cap- conducted on 22 Jan 22, 12 & 19 Feb 22 with
sule was conducted for the cadets of the aim to teach and test skills of cadets of 144
147 course. This capsule was con- course on Point-to-Point Navigation by night.
ducted on 10 May and 20 May 22
wherein the cadets were divided into (d) Camp Greenhorn. Camp Greenhorn was
small groups and introduced with the conducted by Joint Training Team for 146
basics of Map Reading theory and Course from 30 Mar 22 to 02 Apr 22. A total of
thereafter given practical experience 355 cadets completed camp Greenhorn. The
slowly incrementing the difficulty level. focus of the camp was to develop MR Skills,
This outdoor exercise was the first ex- handling of RT equipment and understanding
posure to cadets of first term on as- camp routine and discipline. The Camp also
pects of map reading and navigation. forms part of practical leadership training sylla-
During this the cadets were also given bus. The competition was closely contested
a practical demo on the contents of and the overall champion was ‘N’ Squadron.
Scale A and Scale B.
(e) Camp Rover. Camp Rover was con-
ducted by Joint Training Team for 144 Course

52
from 22 Mar 22 to 26 Mar 22. A total of (c) Enhanced Camp Training. Keeping
382 cadets completed camp Rover. The in mind the restrictions posed due to the
camp was conducted at general area NDA. pandemic in the previous terms that had
Considering the age and stage of training an effect on training of cadets, new routes
of the cadets, Camp Rover poses a tough for various exercises in camps were cho-
test for the cadets in terms of endurance, sen with adequate emphasis on map read-
navigation and stress handling capability. ing and endurance. The cadets were given
The Camp also aims at building up team practical exposure for administrating first
spirit and camaraderie. The Overall cham- aid in combat conditions by experts. De-
pion was ‘F’ Squadron. tailed debrief on 3D terrain model was
conducted after conclusion of each MR
Exercise during Camp by respective DS.
The camp was conducted inside the prem-
ises of NDA. However form Autumn Term-
2022 the camps would be conducted out-
side for which recce have commenced to-
wards selection of campsite.

Cadets during an activity at Camp Rover

10. Training Initiatives. Following initiatives


were taken this term to improve the training :-

(a) Revision of JSTP Syllabus and Pré-


cis. JSTP syllabus was revised for all four A Bivouac in Camp Site
terms in order to keep the cadets abreast
with trends on Jointmanship and changing (d) MR cadre for Newly Posted Offi-
requirements of all three services and im- cers. Map Reading (MR) Capsule for
newly posted officers (NPOs) was con-
plemented wef Spring Term-2022. How-
ducted at TT Shed from 02 Feb 22 to re-
ever there was another holistic review un-
fresh the map reading skills of officers
dertaken with minor changes which would
posted to NDA. The MR Capsule also in-
be implemented from Autumn Term-2022.
cluded practical classes on map reading
(b) MR capsule for 1st and 3rd terms. In along with point to point march from TT
order to improve understanding and as- Shed for officers posted to Battalions &
similation on the nuances of Map reading, Training Teams. The exercise was aimed
theory classes were followed by practical at highlighting the instructional and training
training at TT shed. The cadets were split aspects which need to be known to all the
into smaller groups and they practiced the DS posted at NDA. A capsule on snake
Map reading under the guidance of basic handling was included for the first time
DS from the squadrons along with the DS with a view of DS training the cadets on
from JTT. Night navigation exercise was nuances of the same.
conducted for the third term cadets in order (f) Camouflage & Concealment Exer-
to prepare them for camp Rovers in subse- cise. In order to appreciate the necessity
quent term. of camouflage and concealment an exer-

53
Camouflage and Concealment

cise was conducted during camps which 12. The Joint Training Team has success-
entailed the cadets to innovate and con- fully conducted all the training activities as
ceive new techniques by using local re- per schedule and achieved its training objec-
sources and natural cover in order to pre- tives for Spring Term-2022. Based on regular
vent detection. feedback received, changes have been incor-
(g) First Aid Cadre for DS. A newly intro- porated in the conduct of training so as to en-
duced cadre was conducted during camps sure maximum learning value is derived by
so that the learning experience is not only the cadets. The instructors imparting training
restricted to cadets. Also, this would help in are well prepared and conducted classes
keeping a ready knowledge bank in terms with due seriousness and diligence.
of instructors during camps.

11. The Joint Training Team has the onus of


ensuring the holistic development of a cadet’s
character, personality and leadership qualities.
The team also strives hard to instil the spirit of
Jointmanship in each and every cadet through
classes on tri-service subjects. Through the
course of conduct of the JSTP syllabus the
training team ensured that the cadets stay moti-
vated, should acquire basic service knowledge
of all the three services and the cadets should
understand basic requirement of Jointmanship
Cadets during COS Trophy Quiz
and need for tri-services integration.

54
PHYSICAL TRAINING TEAM

1. Optimum Physical fitness is the hallmark Yoga were also conducted to improve flexibility,
of a good military leader, ‘A Sound Mind in a relaxation and coordination of body and mind.
Healthy Body’ goes the old saying. When Cadets who were doing well in PT were also
the cadets are faced with challenges in their segregated and given extensive training for
military career, it is their physical fitness and higher PT tests.
mental alertness that would stand them in 2. The PTT also conducted training for troop
good stead. Towards ensuring overall games and individual events with the aim of
physical development of the
cadets, making every cadet proficient in at least one
Physical Training Team (PTT) continued to troop game during his stay at NDA. A brief on
evolve the training methodologies leaving no activities of the Physical Training Team is as
stone unturned and applied them given in succeeding paragraphs.
meticulously during the Term. Special
INTER SQUADRON CHAMPIONSHIPS
attention was given to the cadets identified
3. Inter Squadron Cross Country
as weak in some areas of their physical
Competition. Inter Squadron Cross Country
development. These cadets were
Competition Spring Term-2022 over a distance
segregated into different squads and were
of 13.6 Km was conducted on 06 Mar 22. A
given scientific and systematic goal specific
total no of 1601 cadets participated in the run.
training. Specific exercises for physical
‘N’ Squadron won the overall championship.
toughening, flexibility and agility also formed
part of the overall curriculum. Classes in

55
The details of prestigious Trophy winners, medal winners and overall squadron positions are
tabulated below:

(a) The overall trophy winners in Inter Squadron Cross Country Competition Spring
Term-2022 are as follows:
Sl Sqn Trophy Presented By
No
(i) N Winner Glider trophy is presented by C-in-C IAF on 04 Jun 1954.

(ii) O Runner Up The trophy for the Runner Up was instituted by Calcutta Light Horse
and his Excellency, The Earl of Wellington in 1933.
(iii) B Second The trophy for the Second Runner Up was instituted by Major RS
Runner Up Kanwar and all ranks of 8 Scout Battalion in 1957.

(iv) 39889/ Best Cadet The rolling trophy for the Best Cadet in Cross Country is instituted
P/143 in Cross by Mrs Anita Datt in memory of her son Lt Puneet Nath Datt, Ashok
Cdt Sourabh Country Chakra of 1/11 Gorkha Rifles in 2001.
Badhani

(b) List of Medal winners of Inter Squadron Cross Country Competition Spring Term-
2022 are as follows:
Position Academy No & Squadron Course Rank & Name
1st 39889/P 143 Cdt Sourabh Badhani
2nd 39607/K 142 SCC Nitin Sharma
3rd 39689/G 142 BCA Sidharth Singh
4th 39745/O 142 DCC Thakur Ekansh Chauhan
5th 40523/O 144 Cdt Aakash
6th 39845/J 142 Cdt Anurag
7th 40016/I 143 Cdt Aman Singh Chauhan
8th 39747/G 142 CSM Prashant
9th 39905/P 143 Cdt Nitin Kumar
10th 40347/I 144 Cdt Gaurav Kuntal
11th 39959/N 143 Cdt D Ragul Kannan
12th 39627/G 142 ACC Manmohan
th
13 40256/N 144 Cdt Rajat
th
14 39951/O 143 Cdt Sourav Sharma
th
15 39732/J 142 Cdt Rahul Rokcy Alvares
th
16 41030/F 146 Cdt Shobhit Gupta
th
17 39783/B 142 Cdt Nighot Pruthviraj Jaysing
th
18 40540/J 144 Cdt Ranbir Singh
th
19 39679/O 142 SCC Ashmik Gaur
th
20 39320/N 142 Cdt Dipesh Chaurasia

56
(c) Medal winners amongst Foreign
Cadets:
Sl Academy No Crs Name
No & Squadron
(i) 39460-SL/M 142 Cdt TRPM
Jayathissa
(ii) 39786-SD/G 142 Cdt Mohamed Adil
Abdalla Adam

(d) Overall squadron positions in


Inter Squadron Cross Country
Competition Spring Term-2022 are as Inter Squadron Athletics Competition
follows: 5. Inter Squadron Basketball Competition.
Inter Squadron Basketball Competition Spring
1st N 2nd O 3rd B 4th G
Term-2022 was conducted from 03 Feb 22 to
5th K 6th E 7th H 8th M 25 Feb 22. ‘D’ Squadron won the Overall
9th C 10th A 11th P 12th L Trophy. The overall squadron positions are as
13th I 14th F 15th J 16th D follows:
1st D 2nd H 3rd A 4th M
th th th th
5 B 6 I 7 C 8 G
th th th th
9 O 10 N 11 F 12 J
th th th th
13 L 14 P 15 K 16 E

Inter Squadron Cross Country Competition

4. Inter Squadron Athletics Competition.


Inter Squadron Athletics Competition Spring
Term-2022 was conducted from 24 Jan to 10
Feb 22. 39788/F/142 Cdt Ashish Rai was
adjudged the Best Athlete of the meet. ‘G’
Squadron won the overall Trophy. The
overall squadron positions were as follows:

1st G 2nd F 3rd M 4th K


th th th th
5 I 6 H 7 C 8 B
th th th th
9 D 10 P 11 E 12 J
th th th th
13 O 14 A 15 N 16 L
Inter Squadron Basketball Competition

57
6. Inter Squadron Hockey Competition. 1st M 2nd O 3rd P 4th K
Inter Squadron Hockey Competition Spring 5th N 6th B 7th D 8th F
Term-2022 was conducted from 01 Mar 22 to
17 Apr 22. ‘M’ Squadron won the Overall Tro- 9th E 10th H 11th J 12th C
phy. The overall squadron positions are as 13th G 14th L 15th I 16th A
follows:
8. Best Squadron in Games Spring Term-
1st O 2nd H 3rd M 4th P
2022. Best squadron in Games was compiled
5th D 6th B 7th C 8th J on the basis of performance in Athletics,
Cross Country, Hockey and Basketball com-
9th G 10th L 11th I 12th N petitions. ‘G’ Squadron has emerged as the
13th F 14th K 15th A 16th E Best Squadron in Games for Spring Term
2022. The overall squadron positions are as
follows:

1st G 2nd M 3rd H 4th O


5th B 6th C 7th F 8th D
9th K 10th I 11th N 12th P
13th A 14th E 15th J 16th L
INTER BATTALION COMPETITION
9. Inter Battalion Tennis Competition. In-
ter Battalion Tennis Competition Spring Term-
2022 was conducted from 22 Jan to 12 Feb
22. The matches were played on race to 06
games and final match played on best of
Hockey Match in Progress three sets. ‘No. 2 Bn’ won the overall trophy.
The overall Battalion positions are as follows:
6. Inter Squadron BPET Competition. Inter
Squadron BPET Competition Spring Term- Battalion Position
2022 for 142 C & 143 C was conducted on 30
Mar, 06 Apr, 28 Apr & 07 May 21. A total of No. 2 Bn 1st
629 cadets participated. ‘G’ Squadron won the No. 3 Bn 2nd
overall competition. The overall squadron po-
sitions were as follows: No. 1 Bn 3rd
No. 4 Bn 4th
st nd rd th
1 G 2 D 3 P 4 H
5th M 6th O 7th K 8th L
9th J 10th N 11th E 12th B
13th C 14th F 15th A 16th I
7. Inter Squadron PT & Swimming Com-
petition. Inter Squadron PT & Swimming
Competition Spring Term-2022 was compiled
on the basis of points of Mandatory & Higher
tests of PT, bonus points for Motivation/
Proficiency awards & BPET competition were
awarded. ‘M’ Squadron won the competition.
The overall squadron positions were as fol-
Tennis Match in Progress
lows:

58
10. Motivation and Proficiency Awards for Spring Term-2022 are as follows:-
BLAZER
39605/K/142 Cdt Parshant Riding & Polo
BLUE
40113/D/143 Cdt D Nyruth Reddy Athletics
40655/E/145 Cdt Pratham Singh Athletics
40005/E/143 Cdt T Soma Sundar Riding & Polo
HALF BLUE
39937/O/143 Cdt Amit Singh Basketball
39689/G/142 BCA Siddharth Singh Cross Country
39889/P/143 Cdt Saurav Badhani Cross Country
40235/E/144 Cdt Afrid Afroz Riding & Polo
0323/H/144 Cdt Aman Mishra Riding & Polo
40655/E/145 Cdt Pratham Singh Riding & Polo
39618-T/J/142 DCC Komiljon Ashurov Riding & Polo
39967/O/143 Cdt Pavit Singh Hockey
MERIT CARD
39788/F/142 BCA Ashish Rai Athletics
39855/I/142 DCC Zorawar Singh Grewal Athletics
40136/K/143 Cdt Debidatta Patnaik Athletics
40312/B/144 Cdt Anshu Kumar Athletics
40812/C/145 Cdt Shubham Kumar Athletics
40959/L/145 Cdt Uttam Malik Athletics
40708/K/145 Cdt Ishan Solanki Athletics
41147/G/146 Cdt Harshwardhan Raj Athletics
39739/D/142 DCC Preet Kundu Basketball
40059/D/143 Cdt Divesh Thakur Basketball
40446/O/145 Cdt Ashutosh Pandey Basketball
40523/O/144 Cdt Aakash Cross Country
40235/E/144 Cdt Afrid Afroz PT
40380/O/144 Cdt Priyanshu Fojdar Riding & Polo
39531/C/142 Cdt Sashank Shukla Sailing
39768/K/143 Cdt Michael Jose Sailing
40092/D/143 Cdt Agam Sailing
39955/E/143 Cdt Rohan C Paul Tennis
39597/B/142 Cdt Malkit Singh Hockey
39737/I/142 ACC Shayan Somanna M N Hockey

59
EQUITATION TRAINING TEAM

1. From the Stables of NDA. Horsemanship phasized upon. Instructors demonstrate


is a time tested skill, which goes down in the to cadets the training nuances thereby
annals of military history as a compulsory encouraging them to start enjoying Equi-
component in building strong military leaders tation training.
and hence Equitation training is one of the
most important facets emphasized upon in (c) Weak riders are advised to attend
military academies across the world. It teaches extra riding classes in the evening
compassion, courage & perseverance which wherein dedicated instructors attend to
are qualities essential for a military leader. Eq- cadets for personal guidance in an
uitation Training Team (ETT) of NDA was in- enhanced instructor – cadet ratio.
augurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 06
Oct 1949. Since then the ETT has been com-
mitted to train cadets in the basics of equita-
tion and animal management with singular aim
of systematic building up of leadership traits in
cadets. The team is also responsible to select
keen and proficient cadets to form the Acad-
emy Riding and Polo Team. The Team is re-
sponsible for training of young horses received
from remount depots every year. Horse train-
ing is carried out in various disciplines of
equestrian sport.

2. Training Methodology.

(a) Cadets are taught benefits of Equita-


tion towards their overall development
thereby developing a positive approach
to animal management.
(b) Training through motivation and con-
tinuous repetitive practice is being em-

60
3. Instructors of ETT and cadets of Acad- (b) Cadets of Academy Riding & Polo
emy Riding & Polo Team Spring Term-2022. Spring Term- 2022
S/No. Name
(a) Instructors of Equitation Training (i) K/142 Cdt Parshant
Team Spring Term-2022
S/No. Name (ii) F/142 Cdt Nitin Geat

(i) Lt Col Prateeq Misra, ETO (iii) J/142 Cdt Komiljon Ashurov
Instructor Cl ‘A’
(iv) E/143 Cdt T Soma Sundar
(ii) Maj Pritam Mishra, AETO
Instructor Cl ‘B’ (v) L/143 Cdt Ripunjay Naithani
(iii) Ris Maj Sawant Ajay Anant, RM (vi) E/144 Cdt Afrid Afroze
(iv) Ris Sanjay Rajaram Ghotane (vii) H/144 Cdt Aman Mishra

(v) Ris Kan Singh (viii) O/144 Cdt Priyanshu Fojdar

(vi) Ris Sanjay Singh (ix) B/144 Cdt Dev Panghal


(x) E/145 Cdt Pratham Singh
(vii) Nb Ris GP Jadhav

(viii) Nb Ris Mohd Gulam Arif


(ix) Nb Ris Mohd Aklakh Khan

(x) Nb Ris CM Singh

(xi) Dfr Gugan Singh

(xii) Dfr Hasmat Khan

(xiii) Dfr Dipak Jagtap

(xiv) Dfr Sachin Titame

(xv) Dfr Ugam Singh

(xvi) Dfr Ghorpade Sandeep D

(xvii) Dfr Vikram Kadam

(xviii) Dfr Vikram Bhalekar

(xix) Dfr Vinod Singh

(xx) Dfr Pradeep Singh

(xxi) Dfr Girdhari Singh Cadet Training at ETT

61
4. Training of Instructors. The Instruc- 6. Inter Battalion Polo Championship. Inter
tors are adequately motivated and trained Battalion Polo Championship Spring Term-2022
to impart equitation training. Further, suit- was conducted from 13-26 Feb 2022. The results
ability assessment test and regular train- of the Championship are as follows:
ing cadre are conducted by the training
team for the instructors. The following S. Battalion Position
methods have been adopted to enhance No
proficiency of instructors:
(a) No. III Bn Ist
(a) Lesson plans prepared, is-
sued, demonstrated and rehearsed (b) No. II Bn 2nd
by instructors.
(b) Handbook on Equitation train- (c) No. IV Bn 3rd
ing in Roman English has been
(d) No. I Bn 4th
published & issued to instructors.
(c) Training of horses for specific
7. Performance of Academy Riding & Polo
Equestrian and Polo discipline by
Team during Spring Term-2022. In order to give
instructors.
valuable exposure, cadets are exposed to vari-
(d) Participation of instructors in ous polo and equestrian Championships with the
National, Services and Regional aim to boost their confidence and to further de-
level competitions exhibiting NDA velop/promote the sport in armed forces.
at national show window. The NDA Equestrian team participated in the
(e) Audio Visual Training Aids for prestigious Junior National Equestrian Champi-
onship (JNEC) and Mumbai Horse Show (MHS)
analysis and assimilation of modern
conducted at Amateur Riders Club (ARC), Mum-
updated training module. bai wef 19 to 31 Dec 21. The team won total of
(f) Coaching/ Training of new 04 x Gold, 09 x Silver and 17 x Bronze medals in
instructors. said Championship.
Equestrian team also participated in the pres-
tigious Army Equestrian Championship (AEC)
5. Hack Ride. Hack Rides for Spring
and Bangalore Horse Show (BHS) conducted at
Term - 2022 were conducted on 23 Jan,
AEC Centre and College, Bangalore wef 05 to 20
20 Feb, 10 and 17 Apr 22. Also Out Ride
Jan 22. The team won total of 10 x Gold, 14 x Sil-
for 16 x members of ARC, Mumbai was
ver and 20 x Bronze medals in said Champion-
carried out along-with Hack Ride on 17
ship.
Apr 22.

NDA Equestrian Team at the prestigious Junior


Hack Ride National Equestrian Championship

62
8. Motivation and Proficiency Awards. 9. The Equitation Training Team at NDA con-
Following cadets of Academy Riding and tinuously engages in upgrading the infrastruc-
Polo Team have been awarded Motivation / ture and training methodology to ensure qual-
Proficiency Awards in Riding and Polo during ity training to the cadets. Spring Term - 2022
Spring Term - 2022: added yet another successful chapter to the
faculty of Equitation Training Team at NDA.
S. Academy No / Name Award The PT & Equitation display on the occasion of
No Sqn / Course the passing out of the 142nd Course show-
cased the nuances of equestrian activities for
(a) 39605/K/142 Cdt Parshant Blazer Spring Term - 2022.

(b) 40005/E/143 Cdt T Soma Blue


Sundar

(c) 40323/H/144 Cdt A Mishra

(d) 40655/E/145 Cdt Pratham


Singh
Half
(e) 39618-T/J/142 Cdt Komiljon Blue
Ashurov

(f) 40235/E/144 Cdt Afrid


Afroze
(g) 40380/O/144 Cdt P Fojdar Merit PT & Equitation display
Card

NDA Equestrian Team at the prestigious Army Equestrian Championship

63
CAMP GREENHORN

1. The young Greenhorns of the 146 of adventure and ideals of selfless


course, who were anxiously waiting for their service.
birth into the Academy since their first term, (b) Development of basic Map
participated in the Camp Greenhorn, con- Reading skills.
ducted by Joint Training Team (JTT). Their
means of transformation from a novice to a (c) Handling of Radio Telephony
cadet is routed through the four days of endur- equipment and communication proce-
ing training activities and a whole lot of cama- dure.
raderie and teamwork among themselves dur- (d) Camp layout, discipline and hy-
ing camp Greenhorn. Considering the age and giene.
stage of training, this camp is a great test of (e) Basic Fire fighting techniques,
Endurance, Teamwork, Leadership and Stress first aid and casualty evacuation.
handling capability in addition to the assess-
(f) Handling of combat clothing
ment of their Map Reading skills. The Cadets
and control stores.
of the 146 course participated in the Camp
with utmost zeal and enthusiasm. Camp (g) Physical endurance and stam-
Greenhorn for Spring Term- 2022 was con- ina building.
ducted from 30 Mar 22 to 02 Apr 22 in the 3. During Spring Term-2022, a total of
NDA campus. This Camp is a keenly con- 362 cadets of 146 course, 26 cadets of 145
tested training activity and integral part for the course and 01 cadet of 144 course partici-
training of cadets in addition to being a matter pated in Camp Greenhorn. Various activities
of great pride for the cadets. and competitions conducted are mentioned
2. This four day camp involves various in succeeding paragraphs.
training activities and tests aimed at the follow- 4. Exercise Approach March. The
ing: Camp commenced with the Approach March
(a) Develop qualities like character, on 30 Mar 22, wherein, the squadrons were
courage, comradeship, discipline, spirit left as a single entity from NDA and were re-

64
quired to navigate through all check points (d) Standard of snake trenches in
using Map and Compass. The exercise their area.
aimed to gradually build up navigation skills
in cadets by day. The cadets were accompa-
nied by the respective Squadron Directing
Staff who were closely monitoring their
movements and provided necessary guid-
ance and course correction en-route, as and
when required. The cadets navigated from
TT Shed, NDA to the campsite traversing a
total distance of 09 km through semi moun-
tainous terrain. This exercise being a non-
graded exercise is aimed at training Cadets
on Navigation, Radio Telephony Procedure,
Casualty Evacuation and Obstacle crossing. Exercise Tent Piching
The entire course completed this exercise in
time with no dropouts. 6. Exercise Mini Josh. This Day Naviga-
tion Exercise commenced at 0600 hrs on 31
Mar 22. The preparation of Exercise started a
day prior where all the cadets were brushing
up their skills on MR and prepared to give a
tough competition to each other. For the con-
duct of the Exercise, all squadrons were di-
vided into two divisions each navigating two
different routes. This was initiated so as to
give more number of Cadets a chance to carry
out map reading. The basic Directing Staff
manned the individual Check Points (CP). Ca-
dets were given Maps and Compass for this
Exercise. The route had seven CPs excluding
Start and Finish Points involving a total dis-
Exercise Approach March tance of approximately 10.5 km off the map.
7. Camp Games. The Cadets were given
5. Exercise Tent Pitching. On com- a much needed break from the tiring routine
pletion of the exhausting Approach March, during the camp in the form of camp games.
the Cadets reached the campsite by midday. Tug of War and buddy pair lift was organized
Each squadron was allotted similar space for as part of camp games to instill the qualities of
setting up their tents as a part of Exercise. esprit-de-corps and team spirit among the ca-
First phase of this exercise involved pitching dets. It was a keenly contested event, wherein
04 tents in 30 minutes by each squadron. ample enthusiasm and skills were displayed
The cadets took the challenge and com- by cadets of 146 course. Tug of War was won
pleted the exercise in time with high stan- by ‘E’ Squadron and ‘D’ Squadron won the
dards. The exercise aimed at assessing the Buddy pair lift.
cadets’ ability towards leadership, coordina-
tion, teamwork and timely completion of the 8. Snake Bite Prevention and Snake
given task. In addition, the squadrons were Handling Techniques. A lecture and demon-
also assessed on the following in a phased stration on snake bite prevention in the wilder-
manner on succeeding days of camp: ness and handling of various venomous and
non-venomous snakes was conducted for the
(a) General hygiene. Cadets of the 146 course. The instructor was
(b) Establishment of fire points. able to gain the interests of the cadets with his
(c) Water points. skills of snake handling and the cadets actively
participated in snake handling.

65
Snake Handling
9. Exercise Josh Run. The final compe-
Exercise Josh Run
tition of camp is Exercise Josh Run on
02 Apr 22. The ultimate aim of each cadet is 10. Camp Fire. The Camp Fire was con-
to win the Josh Run. For them it is a matter ducted on the evening of 02 Apr 22 at Old
of great pride and their josh was evident by Long range. The cadets of 146 course had am-
the huge and loud war cries that each squad- ple amount of vigour to put up an entertaining
ron demonstrated prior to the Josh Run. The evening through an on-stage performance
exercise commenced at 0630 hrs. The route which was highly appreciated by the audience.
was approximately 12 km with seven Check 11. Conclusion. During Camp Greenhorn
Points excluding Starting and Finishing Spring Term-2022, the involvement and enthu-
Points. The cadets of 146 course proved siasm of all cadets and Directing Staff was
their mettle in the exercise with all squadrons found to be at its best. Cadets participated in
completing the exercise in the laid down all the exercises and activities with high spirits
time. All squadrons displayed high standard and motivation. There were no disciplinary is-
of team spirit, camaraderie, stamina and en- sues and all the squadrons competed in a fair
thusiasm in competing against each other. manner. ‘N’ Squadron won the overall Green-
‘O’ Squadron completed the exercise in best horn Championship.
time and emerged as winner of Exercise
Josh Run for Camp Greenhorn.

Performance put up by cadets of 146 Course during Camp Fire

66
12. Final Results Camp Greenhorn Spring Term-2022

(a) Squadron Positions

S. No Squadron Position S. No Squadron Position


(i) N I (ix) B IX
(ii) G II (x) M X
(iii) L III (xi) D XI
(iv) O IV (xii) H XII
(v) F V (xiii) A XIII
(vi) C VI (xiv) P XIV
(vii) E VII (xv) I XV
(viii) K VIII (xvi) J XVI

(b) Prizes

(i) Camp Greenhorn Champion ‘N’ Squadron

(ii) Camp Greenhorn Runner Up ‘G’ Squadron


(iii) Best in Josh Run ‘O’ Squadron
(iv) Best in Camp Games - Tug of War ‘E’ Squadron
(v) Best in Camp Games-Buddy Pair Lift ‘D’ Squadron

Camp Greenhorn Champion ‘N’ Squadron

67
CAMP ROVER

1. Participation towards Camp Rovers maraderie.


has been a matter of pride for every NDA ca- (b) Ability to lead under stressful
det. Camp Rovers is conducted for cadets of conditions and decision making skills.
the 4th term with an emphasis on night exer-
cises. It entails long marches by night and tak- (c) Navigation and Map Reading
ing shelter in bivouacs during the day. As the skills by night.
training objective is to maintain efficiency un- (d) Survival skills casualty evacua-
der stress and strain, sleepless nights are fol- tion.
lowed by days interspersed with demonstra- (e) Physical endurance and stam-
tions and practice on Camp related aspects, ina building.
briefing/ debriefing of exercises and prepara-
4. Exercise Approach March. The camp
tion for the night exercises. For a teenager,
commenced with a Night Approach March
the grueling five days at the Camp are an ex-
from New Long Range to the campsite at
treme test of human endurance, grit and de-
2000 hrs on 21 Mar 22 under the able guid-
termination. The Camp strengthens the bonds
ance of the respective Squadron Directing
of camaraderie, ignites the spark of initiative
Staff. The aim of the exercise was to facilitate
and enhances the qualities of leadership, but,
reliance on self and independent learning,
most importantly it instills a sense of confi-
and also, a gradual buildup of endurance and
dence and faith in themselves and their capa-
to sensitise the cadets to the rigors of the
bilities. No wonder, cadets view Camp Rover
Camp. The squadrons were left as one entity
as initiation rites of passage from boys to
at an interval of 10 mins each. The cadets
men.
along with the Directing Staff had to negotiate
2. Camp Rover Spring Term-2022 was approximately 13.1 km through hilly, dry and
conducted by the Joint Training Team (JTT) arid terrain. All squadrons reached the Camp-
inside the NDA campus from 22 Mar 22 to 26 site by 0500 hrs on 22 Mar 22.
Mar 22. A total of 413 cadets of 144 course,
5. Exercise Bivouac Pitching. After a
26 cadets of 143 course and 04 cadets of 142
tiring Night Approach March, on arrival at
course participated in the Camp.
Campsite, the next exercise lined up for the
3. This five day camp involves various cadets was, Bivouac Pitching. Without wast-
training activities and tests aimed at the fol- ing any time, the cadets got down to work in
lowing: their earmarked areas with full zest. They
(a) Team spirit, discipline and ca- pitched their bivouacs, dug up snake

68
trenches, established fire points and armoury 7. Exercise GPS Navigation. Exercise
as laid down in the Camp procedures. This is GPS Navigation is aimed at giving exposure to
an exercise which is conducted in a phased the cadets about the use of GPS during navi-
manner entailing desired improvement to lay- gation. This was an exercise entailing point to
out and surroundings with each passing day. point navigation using GPS under supervision
of respective Squadron Directing Staff. The
distance was approximately 8.5 km. The exer-
cise commenced at 2000hrs on 23 Mar 22.
The cadets made full use of this exercise to
understand use of a GPS while navigating
from one point to another.
8. Exercise Survival and Camp Games.
The GPS Exercise culminated at MR 1 from
where the cadets were moved to the location
of the Survival Exercise. The cadets were
given a first-hand experience of survival in the
wilderness on 24 Mar 22. Building of various
types of temporary shelters, setting up of traps
and snares were shown to the cadets. This is
Exercise Bivouac Pitching aimed at developing a survival mindset in
these future officers of Indian Armed Forces.
6. Exercise Mini Josh. Exercise Mini In order to break the monotony and provide
Josh was the first independent point to point some relief from the enduring and hectic
night navigation exercise, wherein the ca- schedule of the camps, a lecture and demon-
dets’ navigation and map reading skills were stration on snake bite prevention and snake
put to test. The distance was approximately handling was carried out on 25 Mar 22. The
8.5 km. All the squadrons were divided in two cadets were exposed to hands-on experience
groups. One group from each squadron then of snake handling and survival techniques un-
moved, clock wise or anti-clock wise direc- der controlled environment.
tion along the same route. Being an Inter
Squadron Competition, accurate navigation
had to be complemented with speed at all
stages of the exercise. The exercise com-
menced at 1900 hrs on 22 Mar 22. The ca-
dets of 144 course displayed high quality of
teamwork and dedication, and were tested
not only for their navigational skill but also for
their ability to endure stress.

Snake Handling

9. Exercise Camouflage and Conceal-


ment. This exercise is aimed at checking the
assimilation of lecture on camouflage and con-
cealment. The exercise was conducted on 24
Mar 22 wherein, each squadron fielded two
cadets duly camouflaged with locally available
Exercise Mini Josh resources.

69
Camouflage and Concealment

10. Camp Games. Camp Games were showed great enthusiasm in this exercise. ‘L’
conducted for the cadets on 25 Mar 22.The Squadron emerged the champion in Exercise
cadets were given a much needed break Josh Run wherein they completed the exercise
from the tiring routine during the camp in the in an exceptional time.
form of camp games. Tug of War and Fire- 12. Camp Fire. The Camp Fire was con-
man Lift was organized as part of camp ducted on the evening of 27 Mar 22 at Old
games to enhance the qualities of esprit-de- Long range. The cadets of 144 course had
corps and team spirit among the cadets. It ample amount of vigour to put up an entertain-
was a keenly contested event, wherein ample ing evening through an on-stage performance
enthusiasm and skills were displayed by the which was highly appreciated by the audience.
cadets. Tug of War was won by ‘D’ Squadron
and Fireman Lift by ‘J’ Squadron. 13. Conclusion. During Camp Rover
Spring Term-2022 the involvement, zeal and
11. Exercise Josh Run and Hamla. The enthusiasm of all cadets and Directing Staff
Josh Run is the final test of navigation and was found to be at its zenith. Cadets partici-
endurance of approximately 18.5 km long pated in all the exercises and activities with
point to point march across a strenuous hilly great deal of enthusiasm and a competitive
terrain. The exercise commenced at 2030hrs attitude. They developed a strong bond of to-
on 25 Mar 22 from the campsite and finished getherness amongst each other and carried
at NDA by 0645hrs on 26 Mar 22 at Old Long the same at all times. ‘F’ Squadron was the
range. Having reached Old Long range the overall Rover Champions and was awarded
cadets participated in Exercise Hamla involv- the Camp Rover Trophy Spring Term-2022.
ing firing and obstacle course. After a long
and enduring run, Exercise Hamla marks the
ultimate test of mental and physical stamina
of a cadet comprising of an obstacle course
followed by firing. Cadets of 144 course

70
12. Final Results Camp Rover Spring Term-2022

(a) Squadron Positions

S. No Squadron Position S. No Squadron Position


(i) F I (ix) E IX
(ii) N II (x) C X
(iii) L III (xi) G XI
(iv) B IV (xii) A XII
(v) J V (xiii) D XIII
(vi) H VI (xiv) I XIV
(vii) O VII (xv) P XV
(viii) M VIII (xvi) K XVI

(b) Prizes

(i) Camp Rover Champion Squadron ‘F’ Squadron


(ii) Camp Rover Runner Up ‘N’ Squadron
(iii) Best in Josh Run ‘L’ Squadron
(iv) Best in Hamla (Firing & Obstacle) ‘M’ Squadron
(v) Best in Camp Games– Tug of War ‘D’ Squadron
(vi) Best in Camp Games– Fireman Lift ‘J’ Squadron

Prize Distribution for Camp Rover

71
EXERCISE TRISHUL

1. Exercise Trishul was conducted from 04 (f) Exercise Mazboot Irada, Basics of
May to 11 May 2022 in general Area Hirpodi & Combat Survival including preparation
Dapode. It was conducted as a two sided con- of traps and snares by each squadron.
trolled tactical exercise. The course was split
(g) For testing endurance & navigation
into two equal groups of three companies capability run back inside National De-
each and deployed in the terrain akin to op- fence Academy, covering a distance of
erational areas. The cadets got an opportunity 25 km on map (35 km on ground) was
to undergo the complete battle procedure for conducted under supervision of Army
defence and attack of an Infantry Section as DS.
part of an Infantry Platoon. The VI term ca- (h) Obstacle course and firing was
dets were exposed to the following:- also conducted on completion of run
(a) Briefing by Company Commander back.
& Platoon Commander.
(b) Siting, Occupation and Preparation
of a Section defended post as part of a
Platoon defended locality which is part
of a larger Company defended locality
in plains and semi hilly terrain.
(c) Routine in defence, including pa-
trolling and ambush.
(d) Defensive battle at Section level as
part of a Platoon.
(e) Clearing of minor opposition at sec-
tion level as part of Section Battle Drill.
Cadets along with DS

72
2. Schedule of Events for Exercise Trishul (Camp Torna):
S. Date Exercise Objectives
No
(i) 04 May 22 Exercise Dekhbhal Occupation and Preparation of Defences. Discussion
on jointmanship in defence operations.

(ii) 05-06 May Exercise Taak- Each location to send one ambush and one patrol
22 Jhaank, Exercise
Ghaat
(iii) 07 May 22 Exercise Fateh Briefing by Company Commander on arrival of Air-
force and Naval cadets at company location.
• Exercise on Attack in Platoon Rods
• Survival Exercise
• Weapons Display
• Briefing on establishment of FAC
• Display of photos of Amphibious positions

(iv) 08 May 22 Inspection of


Defences
(v) 08 May 22 Exercise Fateh I • Inspection of tactical aspects of one company
• Attack in platoon rods

(vi) 09 May 22 Exercise Fateh-II • Inspection of tactical aspects of one company


• Attack in platoon rods
• Closure of defences

(v) 10 May 22 Exercise Teer Ka- • Inspection of closed defences


man • Movement to starting point and josh run

(vi) 11 May 22 Exercise Hamla Assault Obstacle Course and Firing

(vii) 12 May 22 Debriefing, Camp Fire

3. Final Squadron Positions for Exercise Trishul Spring Term-2022 are as follows:

S. No Squadron Position S. No Squadron Position


(i) N I (ix) L IX
(ii) H II (x) A X
(iii) G III (xi) E XI
(iv) J IV (xii) C XII
(v) D V (xiii) M XIII
(vi) B VI (xiv) K XIV
(vii) I VII (xv) P XV
(viii) F VIII (xvi) O XVI

73
GLIMPSES FROM EXERCISE TRISHUL

Manning of Defences Survival Training

Firing Exercise Hamla

Josh Run

74
ACADEMIC TRAINING

Cadets in the Language Laboratory


It goes without saying that the curriculum
designed for the cadets constitutes an amal-
gam of past, present and futuristic aspects
Prof (Dr) OP Shukla, Principal NDA giving it the edge desired for the military lead-
ers of the three Services. Cross-streaming
The National Defence Academy is at the ensures holistic learning and guarantees a
forefront of providing officers for the Armed perfect balance between tradition and moder-
Forces of India. The intention of the Academy nity, on the one hand through the cultivation
is to provide officers who are well-rounded of the knowledge of history and politics while
leaders of men adept and proficient mentally, at the same time inculcating the latest in infor-
morally and physically. This challenge is met mation technology and soft skills. It may be
head on by the Education Branch of the Acad- noted that the Academy added another
emy which attempts to sharpen the mental feather to its cap by introducing the BTech.
acumen of the cadets. Tasked with the awe- degree in Autumn Term 2016. The introduc-
some responsibility of providing quality educa- tion of the BTech program has given a fillip to
tion to the chosen few, the Branch has been the requirement of technologically proficient
carrying out this job with great alacrity since officers for the Navy and Air Force.
the inception of NDA. It had in Mr JTM Gibson
and TN Vyas, at the helm of the Branch, illus-
trious predecessors who set high standards for
themselves as well as the cadets.
Today academic training constitutes a
large chunk of the training time and offers BA,
BSc, BSc (Computer Science) and BTech de-
grees under the aegis of the prestigious Jawa-
harlal Nehru University. Staffed by highly
qualified civilian faculty members and their
Service counterparts who are drawn from the
three Services, the cadets are put through a
rigorous schedule of seven periods a day and
are evaluated through class assignments, pro- Cadets doing an Experiment in the Laboratory
ject work, a mid-term examination and a final Teaching at NDA is complemented by a
Semester test. It is most fortuitous that at NDA well- stocked RIFD enabled library, e-learning
there is a low trainer-trainee ratio that with the material on all subjects that can be accessed
synergy of the civilian and service faculty by cadets through the Campus Area Network
makes for pointed teaching and individual at- (CAN), ICT enabled classrooms and network-
tention to each and every cadet.

75
ing with the National Knowledge Network.
MOUs with the IIT, Powai and the Defence
Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT)
also gives training an edge whereby cadets
get access to the best resources available in
these institutions of excellence. Besides, the
Academy provides cadets an opportunity to
channelize their creative energy through ex-
tra-curricular activities that are provided by
both outdoor and indoor clubs. Hence cadets
can break a leg in the Dance Club, croon in
the Music Club, paint in the Arts Club or
shoot in the Media Club in addition to activi-
Hindi Play
ties like rifle-shooting.
The nerve centre of the development of
the cadets mental faculties, the Education
Branch always keeps abreast of the latest in all
fields as well as in the strategies for teaching
and learning by offering its faculty the opportu-
nities for updating their knowledge by attending,
seminars and conference and mandatory
courses that undoubtedly enhances their teach-
ing and interaction with cadets. Similarly the
Branch constantly strives to improve upon its
syllabus regularly fine tuning it for the needs of
the Armed Forces. Considering excellence to
Classical Music Club be ever moving target, it continuously endeav-
Events that involve the entire Academy ours to achieve it by the dint of hard work and
are however, conducted jointly by the Educa- intelligent pursuit of its goals.
tion and Training Branches. Such activities At the end of the semester the academi-
include the English and Hindi Debate compe- cally proficient cadets are awarded with profi-
titions, the Inter-Battalion Quiz, the English ciency awards during the Principal’s Prize Dis-
and Hindi plays and the Public Speaking tribution ceremony to motivate them further to
competition. It is to the credit of NDA that its strive for academic excellence.
cadets have won prizes and awards in Inter-
Collegiate Competitions held in Pune and
elsewhere in India.

Principal’s Prize Distribution Ceremony


Spring Term-2022

Inter Squadron Public Speaking Competition

76
ACADEMY TEAMS
BASKETBALL

Sitting (L-R): Cdt Angad Singh, DCC Preet Kundu, Maj Rakesh Kumar, Col JS Grewal (PTO), Lt Bhanu
Pratap Singh, CQMS Ravi Kumar, Sgt Nyruth Reddy
Standing (L-R): Cdt Divesh Thakur, Cdt Dhruv Dahiya, Cdt Amit Singh, Cdt Uttam Malik, Cdt Aryan
Sharma, Cdt Dayne T, Cdt Himanshu Singh Mehra, Cdt An Meitei, Cdt Ritik Chaudhary, Cdt A Pandey

CROSS COUNTRY

Sitting (L-R): BCC Manmohan, Cdt Thakur Ekansh Chauhan, BCA S Singh, Col JS Grewal (PTO),
Lt Cdr Sreejit S, Cdt Anurag Yadav, CSM Prashant, SCC Nitin Sharma
Standing (L-R): Cdt Ragul Kannan, Cdt Akash, Cdt S Badhani, Sgt Nitin Sangwan, Cdt Rajat, Sgt Saurav
Sharma, Sgt AS Chauhan, Cdt Gaurav Kuntal

77
FOOTBALL

Sitting (L-R): SCC Chandan Kumar, SCC Nitin Sharma, Col JS Grewal (PTO), Maj Shobit Mangotra, Cdt
Harshvardhan Shaw, Cdt Tshering Wangdi
Standing (L-R): Cdt Shashank, Cdt Jagbir Singh, Cdt Alison, Cdt Edwin Emanuel, Cdt Thanil, Cdt Sk
Shaw, Cdt Yuvansh Negi, Cdt Soumya Patil, Cdt Mehakdeep Singh

VOLLEYBALL

Sitting (L-R): Cdt R Singh, Col JS Grewal (PTO), Lt (IN) B Sai Rupesh, Cdt Abhishek Mishra
Standing (L-R): Cdt Priyawart Phogat, Cdt Ankur Singh, Cdt Japesagar Gokul, Cdt Sreeraj, Cdt Avanish
Singh

78
HOCKEY

Sitting (L-R): Cdt Harshit Anand, DCC Malkit, Col JS Grewal (PTO), Maj Navjot Singh, Cdt Pavit Singh,
Cdt D Nyruth Reddy
Standing (L-R): Sgt KS Pal, Cdt Aayush, Cdt Kartik, Cdt Atharva, Cdt AD Borkar, Cdt Akashdeep Singh,
Cdt Naveen, Cdt Jatin Kumar

SAILING

Sitting (L-R): Cdt A Suryakiran, Cdt Sarthak Panwar, Col JS Grewal (PTO), Lt Cdr Yashpal, Cdt
Akash Wagaj, Cdt Siddesh Khalde
Standing (L-R): Cdt Sri Ram Vemu, Cdt Aditya Bhatt, Cdt Agam, Cdt Akash Bhadauriya, Cdt Sharad
Negi, Cdt Rithik Dhaliwal, Cdt Priyanshu Sahoo, Cdt Ishan Solanki

79
TENNIS & SQUASH

Sitting (L-R): Cdt Param Sabarwal, Col JS Grewal (PTO), Maj Shobit Mangotra, Cdt Anmol Verma
Standing (L-R): Cdt Sachin Kumar, Cdt Anmol Navad, Cdt Veeresh, Cdt Rohan C Paul, Cdt Prateek
Pannu, Cdt D Nyruth Reddy

POLO & RIDING

Standing (L-R): Cdt Aman Mishra, Cdt Ripunjay Naithani, Cdt Prakhar Negi, Cdt D Majumder, Cdt Afrid
Afroz, Cdt Bhargav Bakale, Cdt Abhishek Singh, Cdt Pratham Singh, Cdt Priyanshu Fojdar, Cdt T Soma
Sundar
Sitting (L-R): Ris Maj Sawant Ajay Anant (ETT SM), Cdt Komiljon Ashurov, Lt Col Prateeq Misra (ETO),
DCC Parshant, Maj Pritam Mishra (AETO), Cdt Nitin Geat

80
Commandant with the DCCI, Senior Officers and Cadet Appointments

81
EDUCATION BRANCH

82
Training Branch

Sitting (L-R): Lt Col Amar Jeet Singh, Lt Col Mayank Agarwal, Lt Col Prateeq Misra, Col JS Grewal, Brig
Vijay Kala, SM, Col Rajarshi Das, Gp Capt S Kaul, Maj Harsh Bharat Jani, Lt Col Ratish Ramesh
Standing (L-R): Maj Rohit Pilania, Lt Col Avinash Singh, Lt Cdr T Gopi Krishna, Maj Pritam Mishra,
Lt Cdr Ajeet Kumar Gupta, Sqn Ldr Anjali Rai, Maj Parul Arora, Maj Shounak Savant, Wg Cdr S Sehrawat,
Lt Col Lalit Kumar Saini
Administration Branch

Sitting (L-R): Shri Shrikant Bidkar, Lt Col Shitanshu Jain, Lt Col Bhupendra Singh, Col Kashish Wadhwa,
SM, Brig Ravinder Singh, Col Kamlesh Pal, Lt Col BS Thakur, Lt Col J Janaki Rao, Lt Col PK Singh
Standing (L to R): Shri J Anjan Kumar, Maj BVS Chaudhary, Lt Col Karan Thakur, Maj Arbind Prasad, Maj
Santosh Gurung

83
No 1 Battalion

Sitting (L-R): Maj Ratnesh Kumar Singh, Sqn Ldr Avinash Tiwari, Lt Cdr Rajni Kant, Maj Ashutosh
Parashar, Col KS Kushwah, SM, Wg Cdr Suren Khirbat, Lt Cdr KJ Yadav, Maj Nadeem Khan, Maj HR Singh
Standing (L-R): Sqn Ldr Prashant Verma, Maj Jitendra Singh Yadav, Lt (IN) Rudra Gosain, Maj Satish
Mishra, SM, Sqn Ldr A Choudhary, Capt Sandeep S Gulia, Lt (IN) Akhil Kaushal, Maj Ashish Singh,
Flt Lt Himanshu Mahajan, Capt Ashwani Kandpal, Lt (IN) Prashant Kumar
No 2 Battalion

Standing (L-R): Sqn Ldr Ashish Sahu, Maj KK Singh, Lt (IN) Bhanu Pratap Singh, Maj Gaurav, Lt (IN)
Dushyant Singh, Flt Lt B Arun Kumaran, Maj Dhruv Gusain, Lt (IN) Yash Gahlot
Sitting (L-R): Sqn Ldr Vineeth NS, Maj AK Choudhary, SC, Lt Cdr Sunil Dhankhar, Capt (IN) A Prakash,
Wg Cdr Kapil Dev, Lt Cdr Sreejith S, Maj Malkit Singh

84
No 3 Battalion

Sitting (L-R): Lt (IN) Harsha Arza, Maj Mohit Mayank, Lt (IN) Kedar Pawar, Capt A Kundlia, Lt (IN) BS
Rupesh, Maj Rajeev Kumar Rao. Lt Rishav Kumar, Flt Lt Amar Hooda
Standing (L-R): Maj G Baveja, Sqn Ldr Gaurav Paliwal, Lt Col Arun Lal, Cdr A Mahato, Gp Capt AP Singh,
Wg Cdr A Pandey, Maj S Mangotra, Sqn Ldr Karan Dudgundi, Maj Mohit Kumar
No 4 Battalion

Sitting (L-R): Lt Cdr GP Singh, Lt Cdr Hardeep Singh, Maj Pasala Anvesh, Cdr Jagvir Beniwal, Wg Cdr P
Venugopal, Maj Saurabh Suman, Sqn Ldr Abhishek Singh, Maj Rohit Kumar, Maj Rajat Vats
Standing (L-R): Maj Pinaki Aggarwal, Lt (IN) Akshay SS,Sqn Ldr Bhanu Bisht, Maj Sonu Kumar, Maj Pankaj
Kanwal, Maj Vishal Dahiya, Maj Rakesh Kumar

85
No 5 Battalion

Sitting (L-R): Maj Navjot Singh, Maj Sonu Chandelia, Maj Anil Kumar, Wg Cdr M Pargunan, Gp Capt Ashok
Kumar, Maj DK Beniwal, Sqn Ldr T Meghachandra, Lt Cdr Shandhya Tiwari, Maj Manoj Kumar
Standing (L-R): Flt Lt Bharat, Maj Shagun, Lt (IN) HS Hora, Lt (IN) Barun Choudhary, Maj Ankur Singh

ARMY TRAINING TEAM

Sitting (L-R): Maj Ashish Yadav, Lt Col Lt Col Sanjeev Rattan, Col KS Kushwah, SM, Maj Deepak Sang-
wan, Maj Vineet Fartyal

86
NAVAL TRAINING TEAM

Sitting (L-R): Lt Cdr Gokulam Deepak, Cdr Dibyendu Haldi, Cdr Jennis Paul, Capt (IN) Ayyagari Prakash,
Cdr Mahavir Arya, Lt Cdr Sangeeta Saharan, Lt Cdr Yashpal Cherukuri

AIR FORCE TRAINING TEAM

Sitting (L-R): Wg Cdr PK Chauhan, Wg Cdr Atul Mudbidri, Gp Capt AP Singh, Wg Cdr Saurav Chakravarty,
Wg Cdr Arjun Singh
Standing (L-R): Wg Cdr Sandeep Sharma, Sqn Ldr Aalok Chaudhary, Sqn Ldr Rohit B Parab,
Wg Cdr Manoj Sharma

87
JOINT TRAINING TEAM

Sitting (L-R): Sqn Ldr M Dahiya, Wg Cdr Bharat Arun Parab, Col Rohit Mukherjee, Capt Sumeet Tokas,
Maj Vasu Sangwan.

88
CREATIVE
SECTION

89
My Mother
I remember the day, I left home
With you hiding tears.
And your mounting fears
“Eat this, do that, sleep well
And try to not miss the food”.
These are the memories I missed the most
But I know, there is a fresh dawn after every dusk
Just keep a check, and wait for me
I am counting the ‘Days left to go home’
Where lies my complete family tree?

I remember the day you kissed my forehead,


When I was buckling up for a new journey ahead.
Its hard time here without you,
But “this too shall pass” like the morning dew.
I come across moments, I missed you the most
And I need to work hard so you flaunt and boast

There are millions in the sky, but you are the only one
Very simple and touchstone.
As the paradise, as God’s own home
My mom I will meet you soon.

40844/O/146
Cdt Sudhanshu Singh

Mother
But we won’t worry, we won’t fear,
Oh Mother, I write this letter for you,
So long as my guiding light is you.
A letter to let it be known.
In our thoughts, we are near,
Away from you, the world seems blue,
My mother I write this letter for you, only for
Yet, so much, I’ve grown.
you.
As every day passes by,
As every DLTGH I cut away.
We realise how time can fly,
At the same time, stop and sway.

This letter shall hold your hand,


This letter shall give you resolute.
When time shall slip as flowing sand,
The feeling of solitude will come down so
brute.

41427/Q/147
Cdt Yash Raj Pandey

90
Basketball

A sock and a bucket sometimes would be all that is required on a bad day to lift up my spirits.
Now you may wonder as to how these two items of daily use could bring about a change in
one’s emotion. This was my relationship with basketball. I would bundle up that one pair of
dirty socks and place the bucket in the far end of the room, there, I would have my own per-
sonal indoor court, “A swish from way downtown” as the commentators on TV would say, I
would indulge myself in throwing that sock from every possible angle, just to watch it fall into
the bucket every time. Well, apart from this made up version of basketball, I would never miss
an opportunity to head over to the court at the community park. It would be wrong to say that
this game is merely a sport, because for me it is more like an emotion. My closest friends, pals
and teachers have all been a result of this sport. The sport has given me a lot of encourage-
ment and motivation. I may be tired and exhausted at times, but the thought of picking up the
ball definitely fuels me to get through with my activities, for the courts is the only place where I
can truly let loose and enjoy with nothing holding me back.

41578/Q /147
Cdt Aayush Saiprasad

No Excuses

I’ve been on this ground But those memories still haunted me


What it wants is what I found Made me say “excuse me”
Got amused when I looked around I knew that fault was mine
Even the heart stopped making any sound I had to try one more time

Then came the time for the test Dragged my body through the pain
To show them my best As hard as I could train
I took a moment's rest Today I’ve stepped on the ground again
Filled air in my chest Now these efforts won't go in vain

I came to know the cost “If you can look up, you can get up”
When after a few seconds I lost “Wipe all the blood and sweat off”
It came as a lightening jolt No old memories, no abuses
But I told myself “it's not your fault” This time I have NO EXCUSES

“You are not made for this


What can you do?
Let’s go from where we started
From where we first departed” 39981/C/143
Cdt Sahil

91
Sound of the Siren

Every morning starts with the eternal sound of the siren which is sure to be the reason behind
someone’s death due to cardiac arrest. As the day catches speed, it evokes anxiety and con-
tinues to create scenes of bedlam and misery at various places for various reasons, which are
certainly transcendental. But then somehow, it becomes the torch that lights up the never
ending darkness and shows us the way. It tells us in a bizarre noise to align ourselves with it if
we want to sail through and thus it covertly teaches us the importance of discipline. As the
day passes and it is evening, it becomes the striding ray of hope as it evidently passes us a
message, “Almost there”. The phrase, “Saved by the bell” is quite pragmatic here as some-
times it helps us get our meals and sometimes it saves us from the so called “corrective
measures”. The night arrives as a guest as it is transient. As soon as the siren rings for lights
out and we go to our beds with a smile on our face, the siren as usual prepares us for the war
ahead. It’s quite equivocal to be candid as it is both, the ray of hope as well as the sound be-
hind the word “despair”. In the end, you get accustomed to it and stop cursing it as all it does
is tell you the time.

41589/R/147
Cdt Nishkal Dwivedi

The Black Box


The Black Box – An indispensible part of an aircraft is vital and synonymous to the army life
too. It maybe a record of crucial information of an aircraft but for a proud owner (soldier) , it
holds his precious memories as mementoes, uniforms – that defined his dignity, the stuff that
turn his transient nest to a cozy home, that may turn to be a settee or a table – his lifeline – a
soul mate.
The tradition of baton (Box) has been passed on to me, as it was, to my father by my grandfa-
ther. These thoughts ran across my mind as I stood in front of my own Black Box. It was all
set to move with me to Khadakwasla.
My small Black Box seemed to stand out beside the big and wide boxes of my father who too
was standing next to his series of boxes to be loaded in the truck after his posting. Though
they carried my belongings, as it would be every two years, it was definitely different this time.
The difference was of destination, of detachment from boxes no. 4, 6 and 12 that carried my
stuff, of more concern to the items in my own small box and above all the box I could proudly
call ‘Mine’.
My humble ‘One’ in front of a pile, seemed to make me reflect upon my future. It is as if it
spoke to me. That- ‘I am the beginning of your future. I may seem small and insignificant. I will
be like the train engine, always ahead, adding new ones with each added year of your ser-
vice. Carrying forward the legacy. I will steer you through your thick and thins and be your
buddy wherever you go. Mark me as a No. One when you stand one day in front of a series of
boxes, like your father. All those boxes joining you in years to come will always stay behind
me. Small but I will stand tall. As I am your own ‘NDA-146 Box-forever first’.

41146/C/146
Cdt Angadjit Singh

92
There’s Someone
Out there in rough terrains, In the city where you had your fun,
During the heavy monsoon rains, When your parties went till rising sun,
There is someone who uses his brain, Remember! Out there, there is someone,
Even when he’s in the toughest mental strain. There is someone.

Out there in the chilled mountains of cold,


Wearing uniform, not ornaments of gold,
There’s someone who’s being bold,
Remembering tales of bravery, which were
untold.

Out there away from the crowd,


Looking out for the slightest sound,
There is someone who is proud,
With his josh more than ever loud.

Out there in the darkest nights,


When there is no light,
There is someone who comes out bright,
With mountains and grasslands in his sight,
40759/A/145
Cdt Aryan Shiv

Way of Life
Far away from home, came a small boy While at zero point, cadets continued pump-
On reaching Trishakti gate, he was full of joy ing, haunching and sprinting
He was deprived of all his gadgets In mess, he was taught how to hold a spoon
As he and others were inducted as cadets Getting cold coffee was always a boon
On joining Academy, he received a culture Days became long and nights became short
shock As he went for restrictions to QM fort
All that he had thought about NDA was mock With course mates, a new family was made
Here there were no new fashions Memories were created which would never
Utmost importance was given to traditions fade
His favourite pass time became sleeping At last DLTGH came down to zero
In search for next LH, he was always found In his eyes he became a hero
running To go back home he yearned
Right time, right place and right rig became It is a way of life he earned.
mantra of training
Strictly prohibited was shamming
Push-ups had to be proper plank type
Clearing PT tests was a big hype
Doing cabin cupboard, he learnt how to make
a bed
His habit of waking up late was dead
He then came across DI
Who inadvertently reduced his BMI
In Drill Square, Saab asked for 'ucha kadam 41456/Q/147
and ucha shouting' Cdt Siddhant Jakhar

93
Paradox of Hedonism

To quote William Benett,” Happiness is like a cat, if you try to coax it or call it, it will avoid
you, it will never come. But if you pay no attention to it and go about your business, you’ll find
it rubbing against your legs and jumping into your lap.”
The paradox of hedonism, also known as the pleasure paradox wishes to highlight the line
of thought which states that constantly pursuing pleasure interferes with experiencing it and
this is the unfortunate reality of the men in this time. The statement, though, completely para-
doxical represents the reality on ground in this day and age.
With the ever increasing pace of life, humans have evolved (devolved) to cultivate a tunnel
vision to a short term materialistic goal. During this pursuit, they constantly seek to experience
happiness by going out of the way to consciously seek it by performing acts which make them
feel the same. The paradox states that constant pleasure seeking doesn’t yield actual pleas-
ure in the long run.
To overcome these mixed pursuits it has been said divert your aim and focus on something
else and you’ll find happiness along the way. The pursuit is sacred and is the true essence of
the experience of pleasure post completion. People shouldn’t voluntarily venture to seek hap-
piness; it is much more of a happy experience if one goes about his lifestyle and faces his
challenges one step at a time. It will soon be evident that you’ll experience happiness when
you least expect it and this one, will be much more valuable.
It is also a must to include one personal thought that many of the readers might experience,
if someone asks oneself whether one is happy or not, the individual ceases to be so. Pleasure
must remain a by-product or a side effect and not a primary goal.

41021/E/146
Cdt.Raunak Singh

Persevere

It's not the critic


who counts;
The credit belongs,
to the man who
is actually in the arena;
Who strives valiantly,
Who errs, Who comes
short and short again,
Who knows great enthusiasms;

Who spends himself


in a worthy cause,
Who at the best
knows in the end,
THE TRIUMPH of
high achievement
And Who at the worst
IF he fails,
At least fails while daring greatly.
While daring greatlyN 39628/B/142
Cdt R S Dagar

94
Curtains

Why are you hiding the precious gems? Curtains will be pulled aside
Why won’t you let the story come out? The day soldiers will get their fame!
Patronizing the fake and forgetting
“The Real”
Men at the helm
Making people blindfolded
And hiding the truth
Why won’t you let the story come out?
Curtains are the visions which we carry
Jaundiced by the social dirt
The facts told are all true
Doesn’t matter even if you get hurt
Curtains need to be put aside
Need of the hour is to wear the spectacles
And watch the real heroes with pride
Neither singers nor actors nor politicians 40315/P/144
I want to blame . Cdt Tushant

Eulogy of the Sky

The eulogy of the Sky, "The Sky can never be dead!"


When all had turned black, from blue. The Sky then brightened all beautiful and gay.
Making even the lofty Mountains cry, There lies no reason to dread,
Flowing as rivers with a sad hue. For, ahead of us lay a beautiful day.

The thought blared, "Did the Sky really die"?


But the obvious lay ahead to see.
The Sky, a ghostly black, no stars, laying
bare,
Gone, forever, to the realm of Thee.

The eyes turned again, to the Sky,


Where a magnificent Seagull now flew.
Fly, it did in melancholy and high,
I stood there staring at it, eyes askew.
Then the Sun came out from hiding,
Showering light, warm and yellow.
I let out a gasp at the Darkness fading,
My eyes sparkling, bright and mellow.

39794/O/142
Cdt Abhin Jyakumar

95
How Ironical

Success is an obliteration
is a nightmare
is a curse,
which won't let you rest
which won't let you sleep
which won't let you laugh,
it's amusing to encounter
human nature chasing it
seeking leisure
seeking euphoria
seeking blessings,
how ironical.

Fallen Artistry

it doesn't help
eventually the load of "why you started"
disappears into thin air,
pure instincts lead you to your destiny,
in between we lose a lot
Skin & Soul
only faint pieces of the sour pain remains
cruel enough to let you die slowly,
every achievement
makes you more and more aware
about your driving force
i.e. pain of severance,
which has carved the fallen artistry
now world's appreciating,
lest they know the pain engulfed by the rock,
lest they know the hammering it took,
lest they know how much it cursed it's creator,
for lending it the curse of separation.
ease up a bit
let your legs cry for a brief eternity,
since it's so difficult for you
to shed those from Lake of Eyes.
now look upon me once,
in the search of you
what I've become
a fallen artistry.

Cdt Chetan Vats


41134/J/146

96
Exercise Vayushakti 2022

The Term ‘Vayu Shakti’ itself is quite self-explanatory, Vayu means ‘Wind’ and Shakti
means ‘Power’. The triennial Exercise Vayushakti 2022, aimed at showcasing the capability
of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to conduct full spectrum operations, was to see the participation
of 148 fighter aircrafts, helicopters, transport aircrafts and unmanned aerial vehicles on 07
Mar 2022.
A team of 27 Cadets from National Defence Academy were the lucky ones to grab this life-
time opportunity to witness the exuberant airpower display during the Full Dress Rehearsal on
04 Mar 2022 along with Wg Cdr Saurav Chakravarty, Lt Cdr Sangeeta Saharan and Capt
Sandeep Gulia.
While the Academy slept on the night of 03 Mar, we could barely close our eyes due to the
excitement and thrill infused after the brief about the event by the Team of officers a day prior
at the Ante Room of India Squadron. Also it was after a long duration of staying in the acad-
emy and abstaining from liberties and out passes, because of the COVID pandemic, which
made the opportunity all-the-more anticipated. The thought of moving out of the academy was
enticing and with this we all gathered in front of the Cadet’s Mess at 0200 hrs on 04 Mar.
After a brief on various safety & procedural aspects and collecting our breakfast, we
boarded the NDA bus and departed for Lohegaon, Pune Airport at 0300 Hrs. There was the
mighty C-130 Super Hercules waiting for us, leaving all of us in awe. There,
Wg Cdr S Chakravarty briefed us about the aircraft and took us for a look around the
C-130. The journey was an experience in itself with a flight time of 02 hrs & 30 mins, followed
by a road trip from Jaisalmer to Pokharan Field Firing Range.

The cadets being briefed about the C130 Super Hercules by Wg Cdr S Chakravarty

Within a matter of hours we were in a Semi Desert terrain and in front of us was the Grand
stand prepared for the visitors and dignitaries. We had had our breakfast in the bus itself and

97
now, fully rejuvenated to witness the show, were guided to our seating enclosure which was
adjacent to the Centre VVIP seating arena.
The Exercise began with the arrival of the Chief Guest, followed by 17 Jaguars flying a for-
mation of ‘75’ Tattoo show and a supersonic run by Rafale, literally shaking the earth beneath
with its sonic boom. The Chief Guest and complete audience was then oriented to the range
and introduction to targets was carried out. There were a total of 21 ground targets marked on
the range depicting Command & Control Centers, Vehicle Convoys, Air strips, FAARP, Ad-
ministration & Logistic Nodes, Concentration Area, Communication Establishments to name a
few. Over the next few hours these were strategically engaged with the frontline aircrafts in
the IAF inventory, including the Russian SU-30 MKI and MiG-29 fighters, the latest induction
from France, the Rafale as well as the Mirage 2000, the US Origin Apache attack helicopters
and the Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas), Advanced Light Helicopter and the Light
Combat Helicopter.
There was a display of special missions such as Para dropping of Stores from
C-17, short distance landing and takeoff by C-130 with Garuda Commando insertion into the
battlefield, CH-47 Chinooks Airlifted the M-777 Howitzer, underslung, and swift deployment
and engagement of targets was demonstrated. The MICA missile was employed to engage
an aerial target depicted by Manoeuvering Expandable Aerial Target (MEAT). Also, the Air
Defence Aakash Weapon system and Spyder Weapon System successfully engaged the ae-
rial targets. At the end there was a jaw dropping aero show demonstrated by Chakravyuh for-
mation of Jaguar, Sukhoi & Rafale.
The extravaganza was indeed
a lifetime memory for all the 27
cadets as the event was an ex-
ceptional motivation for them.
The latest member of the Indian
Air Force, ‘Rafale’ has proved her
effect as she touched the Sky
and our hearts with glory and
might. The exercise concluded by
1230 Hrs leaving a smile and joy
on everybody’s face and we
headed back to our Academy af-
ter a hearty Lunch at Air Force
Officers’ Mess at Jaisalmer.
Demonstration by one of the Aircrafts There we interacted with many Ex-
NDA officers sharing their service
experiences and adventures. Upon touching down the Lohegaon Airport, we met the Pilots
and crew of the C-130, Flt Lt Siddarth took us inside the Cockpit and explained the highly
complex architecture of the aircraft.
After having a wonderful taste of this event in one single long day we headed back to NDA,
disheartened, knowing the next day Routine is waiting to grill us again.

39649/A/142 40076/K/143
Cdt Karthik R Cdt Anurag Kumar

98
WHO’S WHO
nd
142 Course

99
A SQN

100
Sitting (L to R): CSM Siddharth, DCC Tushar Tomar, DCC Abhay Patel, BCA R S Bhagel, SCC Akashdeep Kalia, DCC Harsh Gupta, CQMS Ayush Kotwal
Standing 1 (L to R): Cdt Ankit Jha, Cdt KN Phuntsho, Cdt Emron Khan Safi, Cdt RR Singh, Cdt Kushal Sharma, Cdt Sachin Kumar
Standing 2 (L to R): Cdt Yash Kapoor, Cdt Abhinav Yadav, Cdt PD Ranta, Cdt Sourav Kapoor
CQMS AYUSH KOTWAL(AF): This malnourished nightingale flyboy, was COP in drill and a 3– Star Torchie.
He was known for his record of 27 sec and NDA garland fetched him Blazer in gating. Favourite of Squad-
ron Office, he finally improved his X-Country enclosure in his 5th term.
CDT SAURAV KAPOOR (A): This Ambikan pongo was Blazer in Cabin Cupboard. He was mostly unin-
terested type but only a few knew how bad a nightmare he could be. Transformed himself into a true ‘not
so gentleman’ through tough training in his junior terms. He had a special relationship with his overstudy.
DCC ABHAY PATEL (A) : This Upsainian was a Bayonet pin, 5 –Star Torchie, COP French, potential
Double Discipline Star, all weather goalkeeper and terror for academic failures. He was a Merit card in cate-
gory days and ‘KAKA’ was his first copy. He was hit hard by English.
CDT PARVARISH DEV RANTA (AF): This tall Sujanian flyboy was good in PT and X-Country. He was
Academy team football and went into hibernation after 4th term. Always hungry and searching for food, his
bonding with Squadron Office made him second rotation OC. He held the Academy record in rolling.
CDT SACHIN KUMAR (A) : He was a 2-Star Torchie, 2nd enclosure type and hockey captain. He was
much sought after in the Drill square. His rolling in X-Country route was Squadron social material.
CDT KARTHIK R (A): He held a COP in drill and was a Torchie. He tried to maintain his beauty in Torna
but sunscreen had a reverse effect on him. Full on ‘Gyaani’ he tried his level best to become a night-
mare for his juniors, his freefall from rope will always be remembered.
DCC TUSHAR TOMAR (A) : He was from Meerut and was good in PT. He was a Torchie and tried his best
to be a source of motivation for his juniors. His cabin was a PCO booth for his understudies. Alpha Squad-
ron will miss him for his humour and mood swings.
CDT KUSHAL SHARMA (A): This Quasar turned Apache was a josh type pongo, a favourite target of
all DSs of ATT. He was a PT stud, jack of all trades. He somehow managed to get a Torch in his
NDA tenure. NKN was his permanent residence during his 6th term.
BCA RAGHVENDRA SINGH BAGHEL (A): This Rimcollian man of steel was never tired and satisfied.
Was full of josh, strived for more and eternally hungry. This PT stud, excellent squash player, boxer,
Torchie, Medallist, French COP was all one could ask for. He was a man of principles. English was his
Waterloo.
CDT YASH KAPOOR (N): This Rimcollian had a tilted walking style and was expert in giving Academy
level doubts. This ‘Aashiq’ always had a WLL in his cabin and somehow managed to clear every test.
This hardcore SOSA always had his name in Drill Order book. This excellent dancer cum drummer had
frequent mood swings.
DCC HARSH GUPTA (A): This White Tiger had amazing map-reading skills but usually got caught ap-
plying ‘chatki’. Self proclaimed mechanic, he never did PT but still passed in M1. A good footballer and
the Rovers IC, he was a potential twerk dancer.
CSM SIDDHARTH (AF):This Haryanvi flyboy was torchie , COP in Russian, academy team volleyball and
a swimming stud. He had a very peculiar howl out and was the biggest OG in his course. He was very
much interested in ‘ top long’ of cadets and learned all his traits from his ‘dada ji’.
CDT ABHINAV YADAV (AF): This Georgian was the biggest ‘bhaand’ and ardently believed in MRP. He
was an uninterested type senior and was found more in ante room than his cabin. Took full advantage
of being CSM understudy. He loved his Haryanvi songs, Gym, WLL and his photo frames a lot.
SCC AKASHDEEP KALIA (N): This put-in-type SCC was the squadron lead in X-Country, Torchie, Disci-
pline Star. He always used to poke juniors and was very much interested in 4th termers. Famous for
giving conflicting orders, he had a ‘suleimani keeda ‘ in him.
CDT ANKIT JHA (N): This bihari nevla was good in X-Country and was the king of the periphery. He
had the distinction of getting 34 restrictions twice and was seen in dungaree more than the army cadets.
The organizer of every bihari social, had a peculiar way of speaking. His management skills were amazing.
CDT RISHI RAJ SINGH (AF): This potential COP drill from Rajasthan settled down in MH Khadakwasla
in his junior terms. This flyboy became DCC out of the blue and his gyaan sessions were a torture
for juniors. He was so ‘meetha’ that he loved nothing but dairy milk.
CDT EMRON KHAN SAFI (A): This Afghani Ranger turned Apache was good in PT and boxing. His
love for morning tea was unparalleled and a true follower of ‘My cabin, My Life’. He always had defi-
ciency in his kit items which was a big headache for the flank juniors.
CDT SAIMUMIN SAFAROV (A): This Tajiki pongo was a laid back cadet who stuck to his cabin. His
way of speaking was such that even Tajiki cadets found it difficult to understand. He didn’t take much
interest in his juniors but once in a blue moon his squadron spirit would awaken and then life became diffi-
cult for his juniors.
CDT KARMA NGAWANG PHUNTSHO (A): This josh-type Bhuti was a Torchie, course topper, COP Hindi,
good in PT and played all games. This pongo spoke hindi very fluently and took huge interest in correct-
ing the basics of juniors. Was a terror for bhuti juniors and was a potential appointment but ‘lassi‘ be-
came his priority.

101
B SQN

102
Sitting (L to R): CSM Manraj Sahni, DCC Ankush Kumar, DCC Kamal Karnatak, SCC Samarth Rangpal, DCC Pruthviraj Nighot, CQMS Manish Yadav
Standing 1 (L to R): Cdt Anish Singh Rawat, Cdt M Akash, Cdt Yashandeep Singh, Cdt Govind Pathania, Cdt Gaurav Aashish, Cdt Jigme Norbu,
Cdt Taranjeet Singh Vij, Cdt Ansh Arora
Standing 2 (L to R): Cdt Malkit, Cdt Deepak Mishra, Cdt Kushagra Garg, Cdt Dhananjay Kumar
DCC PRITHVIRAJ JAISINGH NIGHOT (A): He was second rotation DCC. He was extremely motivated when it
came to PT. His mantra for life was “My Cabin, My Life”. This SPIan was a PT stud, X-Country medallist, and a
potential Merit Card in PT. He was extremely down to earth with a calm demeanor, and always took care of his jun-
iors.
CDT DHANANJAY KUMAR (A): This not –so-white tiger was the Prabhu of squadron and never touched anyone.
He was always in jolly mood with his juniors. He was famous for his mimicry on mike and was also known as ‘Raja
Babu’. He never trimmed his moustache despite several reminders. He had special info regarding everything and
was TPO in disguise.
CDT ANSH ARORA (N): This SOSA nevla was the dude of his course till 4th term. In 6th term he attained sainthood
after he was grounded. No one got to know how he managed to pass M1 with so much of weight. Always Kept his
juniors motivated.
CDT MAHESH AKASH (N): This keralite lived above the squadron in the clouds atop top floor. His cabin was a
deficiency cabin of ground floor. He never spoke Hindi and had a peculiar way of speaking English.
CDT JIGME NORBU (A): This brave Bhuti was a josh type senior and was always high on josh. He was an excel-
lent football player and was famous for changing the gender of person while conversing in Hindi. He was the fa-
vourite of Squadron Office and an approachable senior.
CDT KUSHAGRA GARG (A): He was the official map reading IC of squadron. He had the great potential to make
any course greenhorn, rovers, torna champs in 2 days. He was always charged and also kept his devices charged.
His mood changed faster than expression of a girl. His famous words were –“ready go shoot“
CDT DEEPAK SHARMA (A): He was 1st rotation DCC. This chotu Chittorian kept up the tradition of Chittorian by
being the terror of the squadron. His mood changed faster than one could change their selfie expression. He had a
habit of going for X-Country practice at 0200 hrs. Monkeys envied his rope skills.
CDT SIDDARHA SACHIN MAHAJAN (AF): This Taant was very soft spoken and was the saint of the squadron.
He was good in academics and was a kind hearted flyboy. He was down to earth and followed the principle of “My
Cabin, My Life”. The only thing which challenged him throughout his stay was rope.
CDT GAURAV AASHISH (A): He was the warrior of his course. He always had a logical explanation for every
situation. He was very possessive about his things and ensured no deficiency. He trained his understudy well. He
was very good at firing and weapons handling.
CDT ANISH SINGH RAWAT (A): This Indori-Garhwali boy was swimming and athletics medallist. He followed the
principle of “My Cabin, My Life” and tried to bring the div pop tradition to Bravo. He guided his juniors in fields he
was proficient at. He gave his best being the athletics meet in-charge and gave Bravo its best position that the
squadron had ever seen. He was a silent performer.
DCC KAMAL KARNATAK (AF): He was 1st rotation DCC. This Ghorakhali was a X-Country stud and took care of
his juniors. He was COP in Russian and everyone loved his choice of songs. He was potential X-Country medallist
and COP in drill. He was a very good football and volleyball player.
DCC ANKUSH KUMAR (AF): He was 1st rotation DCC. This camp in-charge was a God for 4th termers. This X-
Country IC was famous for his 3 magical words “change into joggers”. This brave Quasar was swimming and water
polo medallist, spent his 6th term on the periphery. This flyboy was bothered of only one thing that was academics
aka”runkush kumar”
CDT TARANJEET SINGH VIJ (A): This Khalsa could ride any horse at ETT because no horse could throw such a
bulky guy. He was always charged with josh. He was a very approachable senior. A stud in Services, he was least
interested in troubling his juniors.
CSM MANRAJ SINGH SAHNI (AF): This AFPIan was Merit Card in Arabic and a member of the Academy football
team. He became a saint; sensible and patient after reaching 6th term. He was a God for all 4th termers and was
extremely punctual. His dialogues were legendary whenever he fumed with anger. His excellent drill was finally
recognised when he got a COP.
CQMS MANISH YADAV (A): This Haryanvi was a 4-Star Torchie. He was feedback in-charge of Squadron Office.
After training his understudy in his 4th term, he attained sainthood. His love for his understudy was beyond com-
parison. He was always concerned for jug, glass and jug lid of squadron. He was academics in-charge of squad-
ron.
CDT MALKIT (A): He was 2nd rotation DCC. This Kunjean and Academy DCC took too much interest in juniors. He
was a member of the Academy hockey team. His management skills were on point and he also had an excellent
contacts list. He was also known as the 2nd rotation CSM.
CDT RIDDHIMAN SINGH DAGAR (A): This Haryanvi Jat was Half Blue in basketball, and an athletics medallist.
He attained sainthood in his 6th term and also started “Dagar milk and banana bhandaar” in squadron during X-
Country. His hands used to move faster than his mouth when he spoke. He was extremely motivated for X-Country
and Drill Competition practice.
SCC SAMARTH RANGPAL (A): This SOSA was famous in the whole squadron for useless logic. 5-Star Torchie,
Course Topper, stud in football and X-Country. Despite being Course Topper count up in Battalion fall-in remained
his Waterloo. He loved to give endless MLs.
CDT YASHANDEEP SINGH (A): This AFPIan was the saint and senior most of squadron. He was interested in
each and every event of squadron. He was hardcore OG of squadron and was always the first one to come for
ODTs. He followed the principle of “My Cabin, My Life”. He was a stud in Services.
CDT GOVIND PATHANIA (A): This Sujanian pongo from Kangra was 2nd rotation DCC. A 3-Star Torchie, X-
Country stud and potential Merit Card in PT. He was a diehard fan of Eminem. He was known for his love for bis-
cuits.

103
C SQN

104
Sitting (L to R): CSM Amandeep, DCC Tushar, SCC Chaitenye Gupta, BCC PS Bhadouriya, CSM M Ahlawat, DCC AS Kondal, DCC PGP Reddy, CQMS
Harsh Ahlawat
Standing (L to R): Cdt DL Aakash, Cdt Manish Pathak, Cdt Nikhilesh Rawat, Cdt Sidak Preet Singh, Cdt Jayanarayanan, Cdt VT Nam, Cdt Kuldeep
Sharma, DCC Anand S Bhadouria, Cdt Shashank Shukla, Cdt Naman S Rathore
SCC CHAITENYE GUPTA (A): This SOSA was perhaps the most organized of his course. His dream of passing out
as a Drill Instructor finally came true in his 6th term. The COP in drill led the squadron with flair in Drill Competition to
victory. This Book Prize winner had a special place for Cabin Cupboard in his heart.
CDT TUSHAR RATHEE (A): This brand ambassador of Pepsi was the favourite among his flank juniors. He was a
3-Star Bronze Torchie and Course Topper. He also donned the hat of X -Country Captain. He was famous in the
squadron for his Sunday night banquets and yet surprisingly passed his PT in M1.
CDT PGP REDDY (A): This Kodagian from Bangalore was always up for food, his peculiar style of gesticulation, his
faith that his understudy knew everything withstood. He was a 5-Star Silver Torchie and double Book Prize Winner.
He shall be remembered for his crazy dance moves, especially bhangra.
CDT DL AAKASH (N): This Amravian Nevala was the joint brand ambassador of Kamal and Neelam restaurant.
This tech savvy Keralite could hardly cope up with his B.tech subjects but always kept an updated inventory of mov-
ies. X-Country remained his Waterloo. He remained a potential COP in drill throughout his stay in the Academy.
DCC AMANDEEP (A): The PT Captain of squadron was forever oblivious of the PT situation in the squadron. He
was a potential Merit Card in PT but a Blazer in “My Cabin, My Life”. Irony has it that the Haryanvi shall be remem-
bered for his fluent English. He knew how to play with words and also on the hockey field.
CDT JAYANARAYANAN (A): The most humble 6thtermer hands down. This KAZAKH always stood for his juniors
and justice, the Hockey Captain never succumbed to his injuries and went on to give his all out even for Drill Com-
petition.
BCC PANKAJ BHADOURIA (A): A 3-Star Torchie, excelled in all sports. He was a Gold medallist and Merit Card in
boxing. A perfect role model for his juniors. His jovial nature increased the happiness index of the squadron. His
sarcasm remained on point. He also happened to be the Balcony Cadet Captain.
CSM MRIDUL AHLAWAT (A): The “PUNISHER” of his course who always ensured training of his understudies and
4th termers. He always remained a terror among his juniors and course mates too. A morally strong figure with a
pure heart. X-Country, academics and football were his forte.
CDT VT-NAM (A): This PT Stud from Vietnam was famous for his fluent English and even better Hindi.
DCC SP SINGH (A): Academics, poetry, singing and cartwheels forever remained his “Dil De Qareeb”. The Khalsa
DCC was Merit Card, COP and Course Topper in Arabic. He incidentally became the PT IC, Cabin Cupboard and
Public Speaking IC. He shall be remembered for his futile attempts at joking and “Oh-So-Serious” study periods.
DCC ANAND SINGH BHADAURIA (A): Coming live from the DCC flank along with cameraman Anand Singh Bha-
dauria. This ‘gyani’ from MP was a PT stud in his course and a Blazer in ‘BHAND’. He always motivated his juniors
to remain happy during training. The living encyclopaedia was always up to give his ‘sermons’ anytime, anywhere.
CDT NIKHILESH RAWAT (AF): This happy-go-lucky Cheetah from Himachal was the ‘buddy’ of squadron. As good
as he was in PT, academics could never be his cup of tea but somehow magically he made it to his ‘OVERALLS’.
This SUJANIAN flyboy was excellent in football and hockey. There was a recurring doubt in everyone’s mind
whether he was Balcony Cadet Captain or Bhand Cadet Captain.
CDT ANMOL KONDAL (AF): This Himachali flyboy was a PT stud, Course Topper, excellent runner and perhaps
the most proud Cheetah. He never missed a chance to talk about his X- Country journey. He was a terror among all
courses, a strict martinet always stuck to his words, morals and possessions (esp. his drill boots).
CDT MANISH PATHAK (AF): This Bihari flyboy had connections even in Chandigarh but still was more interested in
Bihari socials. This angry young man had a short fuse but a long standing desire to set the bearing of his 4th
termers. He was always a rope’s length away from his term break.
CQMS HARSH AHLAWAT (A): This Ranger ensured his lassi in 4th term by becoming Papa Cheetah. The Course
Topper and COP in Chinese was the coolest cat in his Course. This Haryanvi was a CQ with the best managing
skills Charlie squadron ever had. He too had a lot of knowledge and loved preaching. He always took a stand for
liberties, his juniors and his place in the CAN room waiting list.
CDT NAMAN SINGH RATHORE (A): This man was the chef of the squadron. He had an eerie obsession with sta-
tionery especially sketch pens and bajri and only 4th termers knew the reason behind it. He was a terror for juniors
and extremely innovative in ‘clearing doubts’. He became ‘OIC’ STD booth in 6th term and ensured WLL remained a
luxury even for 6th termers. He was loved by the Drill Section and thus became extremely good in pack running.
Rope and Cabin Cupboard remained his Waterloo.
CDT SASHANK SHUKLA (A): A commando from heart was a man who kept to himself but never failed to help a
junior struggling with PT. He took physical fitness to the next level and never failed to maintain the highest stan-
dards. He remained a mystery to his juniors but only the CAN Room computers know the truth about him. He was
the best sailor and shooter of the Academy and the person who believed in turning impossible into possible.
CDT KULDEEP SHARMA (AF): The flyboy was indeed the living example of the walking gait. He was always
prompt to maintain the general knowledge of his juniors. His love for tea was legendary; legend has it that he has
never missed the morning tea since his 4th term. A saint at heart but was always interested in his juniors.

105
D SQN

106
Sitting (L to R): CQMS Abhishek Mohan, Cdt Manoj Saini, DCC Nishant Pandey, DCC Preet Kundu, SCC Ajay Singh Rathore, DCC S Gill, Cdt Rajat Go-
dara, CSM Tushar Thakur
Standing (L to R): Cdt Aniket Shukla, Cdt Akshat Kaushik, Cdt Dhruv Malhotra, Cdt R Babalsure, Cdt Akash Kakad, Cdt Subroto Saha, Cdt Harshward-
han Shaw, Cdt Deepak, Cdt Anshumaan Singh, Cdt Divakar Mishra
DCC NISHANT PANDEY (A): Little Georgian, PT stud, sportsperson, 1-Star Torchie was famously known for his
calm and composed nature and giving lessons full of knowledge. His go to line was “humaare school main..”.
CDT A SHUKLA (N): This chill type nevla was a hard believer of “My Cabin, My Life”. He was a good-natured sen-
ior who remained a potential Torchie all through his stay at the Academy. He was famous for his guests during lib-
erty. He was fond of snakes.
CDT ANSHUMAAN SINGH (A): This 3-Star Torchie and PT stud was the Academic in-charge. His sense of hu-
mour was very famous among his coursemates. A food junky, he followed “My Cabin, My Food”. He was known for
his never ending MLs and never coming pocket money. He focused his efforts on Service Subjects in his senior
terms.
CDT M SAINI (AF): This Rajasthani flyboy was the GPS of his course. WLL was his life, never compromised with
NKN in 6th term. Master of Google Earth. Understudy was his Waterloo. He was very fond of his overstudy and later
his understudy. He was famous for his “bold” voice.
CDT DEEPAK (A): This pongo Quasar turned Dagger, strongly believed in “My Cabin, My Life”. He made his
course mates jealous with his manly moustache. His put-in was seen in bike search throughout the term than in PT
and Services.
CDT MIHIR KUMAR (AF): This flyboy from Gujarat was notoriously famous for his British accent English. He was
the Ship-shape IC of the squadron and was occasionally seen outside his assigned domain. He was a good person
who always flaunted a charming smile.
CDT DS GILL (A): This josh type NSPian was a second rotation DCC and a put-in type senior, Blue in Cabin Cup-
board, academics Torchie, stud in X-Country, Double Discipline Star, cartwheel remained his Waterloo. He was
always found drinking Bournvita and reciting ATT précis to helpless juniors.
CDT R GODARA (A): This Chittorian pongo was ‘down to earth ‘who remain grounded in his 5th term for his love of
seniors. He believed in MRP and was the most chill type senior. He was a role model for his seniors.
DCC P KUNDU (A): This Georgian true to his Georgian blood was among the best performers of his course. He
excelled everywhere, was a PT stud, a member of the basketball Academy team. He also had a Merit Card in box-
ing and was adjudged best in firing in his 6th term.
CDT A KAUSHIK (AF): This SOSA flyboy was a stud in PT and good in X-Country. He tried to take interest in
squadron activities but could not overcome his life mantra “My Cabin, My Life”. He was famous among his over-
study course for his regular mood swings and his amazing smile.
CDT HARSHVARDHAN SHAW (N): Josh type SPI nevla. A lassi type senior who followed “My Cabin, My Life”. He
was always on a perennial hunt for WLL after lights-out. A first rotation DCC, he was good in public speaking and
was the Academy team football goalkeeper. He was a firm believer of MRP. Running was his Waterloo and he was
always seen wearing a knee-cap. He was known for his announcements in his junior terms.
CQMS A MOHAN (A): This Mauryan pongo was a PT stud and Double Discipline Star who became a Torchie in
his 4th term. He played all the sports in Academy and excelled in them. He was the most approachable senior and
was liked by his juniors. He was known for his caring nature and remained the best 6th termer for all his juniors.
CSM T THAKUR (A): This stud Sujanian was good in PT and great in games. He was a Quasar who passed out as
a deadly Dagger. He was a put- in type cadet but Drill Competition remained his Waterloo. His loving understudy
course all owed him to rest a lot throughout the term.
SCC AS RATHORE (AF): This SOSA flyboy who hailed from the Aravalli hills had a COP in drill. He was a stud in
PT and X-Country, academics Torchie, Double Discipline Star and Merit Card in Arabic. He tried his best to follow
“My Cabin, My Life” but responsibilities got the better of him, from becoming Flag corporal in 4th term to becoming
an appointment in his 6th term.
CDT S SAHA (A): This Rimcollian was a stud in sleeping and running contributed to his woes. He became aca-
demics Torchie in 3rd term and was very passionate about reading books (especially during 4th term). He was very
knowledgeable about every topic.
CDT A KAKAD (A): This Marathi pongo was a stud in PT, X-Country, Course Topper (1st term) and 3- Star
Torchie. He was AHTP in all the terms but Merit Card eluded him. Swimming remained his Waterloo. He loved his
understudy course and was known for his rope sessions.
CDT R BABALSURE (A): He was a person who was happy by himself. He was a PT stud and a good X- Country
runner. He was injured many a times but still managed to pass all PT tests. He was a member of the Academy
hockey team. He was also very good in football, basketball etc. He was a very good person by nature and had a
very good bond with juniors
CDT D MISHRA (A): This Georgian Bihari was a jack of all trades and was the master of some. He was a put-in
type PT enthusiast who improved his physicals a lot in junior terms. Online music was his thing and he even lis-
tened to songs while studying. NDA chai will miss you pongo.
CDT D MALHOTRA (A): This pongo SOSA showed interest in squadron, particularly his understudy course till 6th
term. He was a jack of all trades and master of some-squash and services in particular. He visited Squadron office
more than appointments. His MLs were a nightmare for his juniors, but he gave sincere advice whenever required
and the same will be missed by all.
CDT F MOHAMMAD (A): This Maldivian pongo was known for his calm and composed nature. He was only seen
while going for ODTs. He was a follower of “My Cabin, My Life”. PT and running remained his Waterloo. He was
more of an Indian cadet than a foreign cadet. He was fond of singing bollywood songs in the corridors. A foodie at
heart was always found preparing something to eat.

107
E SQN

108
Sitting (L to R): CSM Ayuj Jain, Cdt Sahil Shubham, DCC Pema Chimi Dorji, DCC Bhanuj Gill, SCC Saket Sharma, DCC Arun Kumar Solania, DCC
Ashutosh Raj Patil, CQMS Yuvraj Singh Saini
Standing (L to R): Cdt Nikhil Kadam, Cdt Pk Singh, Cdt Naman Singh Khair, Cdt Sundaram Pandey, Cdt Yash Khatri, Cdt Shashwat Nanda, Cdt Gaurav
Kumar, Cdt Satyam, Cdt Ankush Thapa, Cdt Nikhil Kumar, Cdt Aashish Abhishek
CDT SATYAM (A): This Mauryan was a PT stud and an excellent runner. A true believer of taking one’s time
in doing things, he was good in drill and was the self-proclaimed Magnus Carlsen of the squadron.
CDT GAURAV KUMAR (A): This Rimcollian DCC was most interested in the 144 tiles of his cabin. An athlet-
ics medallist, his jokes were his favourite thing.
CDT AR PATIL (N): This gentle giant was a Quasar turned Eagle whose love for tants was well known. An
excellent runner, he was last seen in squadron when he was a DCC.
DCC BHANUJ GILL (AF): Nothing’s more OG than this OG DCC. The SOP guides are dedicated to him. This
COP report sick was M1in PT in 6th term.
CDT PK SINGH (A): Mr. Houdini of the squadron conjured up a disappearing act in his 6th term and he had the
honour of being the biggest dope of his course.
CDT NIKHIL KADAM (A): This Ajinkyan had a hound’s nose and could smell out something to eat from miles.
He was a good basketball player and an ardent follower of “My Cabin, My Life”.
CQMS YUVRAJ SINGH SAINI (A): This CQMS had perfected the Pushpa walk. The banana and milk in-
charge took keen interest in clearing juniors’ doubts.
CDT ANURAG SINGH (A): The Bear Grylls oh his course could probably chart a route to the moon if given a
big enough map. He was content spending his time in NKN room or his cabin.
CDT SAHIL SHUBHAM (A): This fair, tall Tillaiyan was keen on ensuring no one slept a night before exams.
His cabin was the black demo for cabin cupboard. He was grounded in his 6th term.
CDT NS KHAIR (A): This loud box Ghorakhali was an excellent runner. He tried hard but could only manage a
4-Star Torch by his 6th term. The self-proclaimed Drill Captain of the squadron was seen practising his word of
command every chance he got.
CDT SUNDARAM PANDEY (N): This slim and trim nevla had a body to be envied. The biggest bhaand of his
course, he led the squadron in X-Country from behind.
CSM AYUJ JAIN (A): This “motivational” CSM was interested in ensuring lassi for his div-kids and that every-
one knew how much good of a singer he was. Good in swimming, he was a great table tennis player and his
biggest role model was Kim Kardashian.
CDT ANKUSH THAPA (AF): This flyboy had ensured he was never seen outside his cabin. He was loved by
his div-kids as well as the Squadron Office but his true love was for the WLL.
CDT AASHISH ABHISHEK (A): This Bihari pongo was the mad scientist of his course who loved anything
that blasts including himself. This Quasar turned Eagle had a place in his juniors’ hearts
CDT YASH KHATRI (A): This Ghorakhali wanted to explore every corner of NDA and hence was seen on the
periphery most of the time. This second rotation DCC was never perturbed by any event and always was inter-
ested in his own cabin.
DCC PC DORJI (A): This Bhuti beast was known for his expertise in Hindi. Focused on ensuring the squadron
closed in M1, he took keen interest in PT of his juniors. His love for spicy things was well known.
SCC SAKET SHARMA (AF): This dope SCC had the experience of 80 years and “ As such” he had a face to
go along with it. He had a particular love for water and spent his time at nights ensuring everyone had filled
their water bottles.
DCC AK SOLANIA (A): This cutiepie was the love of the squadron, the least interested type senior was al-
ways looking for more weights to add to his gym rack. The Att’C’ food in charge did not seem to enjoy the at-
mosphere of the mess.
CDT NIKHIL KUMAR (AF): This Bihari flyboy had attained nirvana very early in life and was known for sur-
prising people by turning up when least expected. A quiet person who spent his time doing cabin cupboard.
CDT RAHUL SINGH (A): Mr Blinking eyes had decided to become the terror of the squadron but had to give
up his plans once X-Country was over. This PT stud had a special relationship with the rope.
CDT SHASWAT NANDA (A): This Sujanian had perfected the cat walk and did not seem to like wearing
clothes. A josh type senior he was always found in his div-kids cabins looking for snacks.

109
F SQN

110
Sitting (L to R): CSM Ashish Kumar Rai, CSM Pukharaj Kaushik, DCC Tanuj Tripathi, SCC Mridul Manhas, DCC Kinga Lhendup, DC C Ankur Pandey,
CQMS Rohan Jadhav
Standing 1 (L to R): Cdt Tushar Kumar Sharma, Cdt Vinayak H, Cdt Satyam Kumar Jha, Cdt Rahul Verma, Cdt Ashish Dwivedi, Cdt Sparsh Kankane, Cdt
Nitin Geat, Cdt Aman Kumar, Cdt Mihir Banerjee, Cdt Soumyadeep Roy
Standing 2 (L to R): Cdt Varad Pise, Cdt Anirban Bhattacharjee, Cdt Navjot Singh, Cdt Nitish Kumar Shukla
CDT PUKHARAJ KAUSHIK (A): This pongo was great with his juniors and followed the mantra of “My Cabin, My
Life”. He was a good X-Country runner who missed his medal by a few enclosures. Academy record holder in punish-
ment. Potential COP drill and passed out as CSM, NishaanToli.
DCC ROHAN JADHAV (A): This Ajinkyan pongo was Merit Card Athletics and potential Merit Card Swimming.He
was good in PT and led squadron in all games. He was well known for his calm mood and was usually found in Ante
Room or any coursemate’s cabin. He was also the one with whom you will find the WLL always. One of the most ap-
proachable seniors.
DCC RAHUL VERMA (AF): This flyboy DCC loved nothing more than his cabin and breathing fresh air in the bal-
cony. He wasn’t really into PT but still passed in M1-H1. He was the GPS of squadron in map reading and loved to
train juniors for camps. A very approachable senior and ensured that juniors enjoyed when he was around.
DCCANKUR PANDEY (A): This Rimcolian from Jaunpur was a josh-box and the living beast of his course. He was
good in PT, hockey and was a great squash player. He was a hard core believer of “My Cabin, My Life”.
CSM ASHISH RAI (AF): This flyboy did not require a Super Dimona to fly; he used his legs instead. This josh box
was the fastest in the Academy and was a PT stud. His kitchen was always open for juniors.
DCCNITISH KUMAR SHUKLA (A): This josh type pongo was the “Arnold” of squadron, who shifted the gym to his
flank. His humour always tickled everybody's bones. Always seen leading the squadron from the front in all activities.
He was a cheerful and friendly 6th termer.
CDT VINAYAK HEBBALE (A): This Kodagian pongo was a firm believer of "My Cabin, My Life". He was either found
in cabin or in periphery. He was excellent in Services, and his smiling face was admired by all. His true love was
WLL.
CDT NITIN GEAT (N): This Georgian nevla was in Academy Equitation Team throughout his life at NDA. He was
Spur in Riding, Medallist in Polo, Boxing IC and Book Prize winner in his 5th term. After getting Merit Card in Academ-
ics in his junior terms, he became a Blazer in punishment. He was nearest and dearest to Squadron Office. He was
stuck in the vicious cycle of WLL and Urdu speaking. Firm believer of “My Cabin, My Life”.
CDT AMAN KUMAR (A): This Mauryan was a stud in all games. He was a Medallist and passed out as the captain
of Academy Volleyball Team. He used to take interest in his juniors and was always keen to have a knowledge about
whatever was happening in the squadron. His motive was to ensure that nobody failed in academics.
DCC TANUJ TRIPATHI (A): This Georgian pongo was “Chota Packet, Bada Dhamaka” of squadron. Excellent X-
Country runner, PT stud and an Academician. He always motivated the whole squadron for X-Country. His joyous
attitude always drew juniors to him. He maintained poise and equanimity in the toughest of circumstances.
SCC MRIDUL MANHAS (A): This josh type Sujanian was a nightmare for his juniors, a good X-Country runner and
basketball player. His vocabulary added beauty to his fluent English during Ante Room sessions.He always motivated
his juniors and never slept at nights to ensure that no one disturbed his juniors’ sleep.. He was initially the CSM but
later got promoted to SCC.
CDT MIHIR BANERJEE (A): Smart, stylish, handsome, determined, intelligent and the list goes on. Juniors ka bhag-
wan. Troubling someone, especially juniors was out of his books. A composed and zestful man who brought out the
much needed josh in squadron. “Leaders aren't born, but they're made”. Kobe Bryant of the squadron. This Cheeku
SOSA was known for his long night lectures with juniors.
CDT TUSHAR SHARMA (A): This Ghorakhali pongo was always calm and composed. Filled with confidence and
charm. Mystery behind the missing WLL was always resolved in his cabin only. He was so called Academics IC of
squadron.
CDT NAVJOT SINGH (A): This cheerful khalsa was always seen with a smile on his face, becoming Drill IC may
have affected his jolly mood as he ran more 10-10 for his juniors than for himself. An approachable senior who was
always surrounded by his pals.
CDT ASHISH DWIVEDI (A): Happy–go–lucky guy, this boy had a flair for Hockey. Led a comfortable life in his cabin.
This WLL keeper always remained a potential Torchie. Good at finding solutions and often seen in major discussions.
Sky is the limit Dwived.
DCC SATYAM KUMAR JHA (N): This Delhite Bihari nevla was self-proclaimed IC of all events. He remained under-
study CSM for his entire tenure. This Maroon pad holder aka Academy Sgt, was terror for all juniors but attained nir-
vana in 6th term and became Squadron Pal. He was josh type but X-Country remained his waterloo. He enjoyed the
view from the 10m board so much that he refused to jump until it was no longer possible to stay on top.
DCC KINGA LHENDUP (A): This josh type Bhuti pongo masterchef of Foxtrot was famous for the one and only
Kinga's Kitchen. His hindi accent always lightened the squadron mood. Good in PT, swimming, X-Country. A respon-
sible DCC, he was good to his juniors and remained potential COP Drill.
CDT SPARSH KANKANE (AF): This Georgian flyboy was excellent in academics and public speaking yet Rope re-
mained his Waterloo. A calm, composed senior and put-in type CQMS who did all his duties diligently. He however
lost his stripes while running in M2 attempt.
CDT SOUMYADEEP ROY (N): This tall nevla was the Academics IC who turned the squadron Ante Room
into coaching classes. He was Blazer in punishments and X-Country was always his Waterloo. He was excellent in
cooking stories and was a cheerful senior.
CDT VARAD PISE (N): This nevla Tant was an easy going senior. He was famous in his corridor for playing motiva-
tional songs. He gave a tough competition to the trailing horses in X-Country but always won by a gap of a few me-
tres. Has motivated everyone by losing weight and set an example of what can be achieved through persistent hard
work.
CDT ANIRBAN BHATTACHARJEE (AF): This Flying Pin finally got his name in Trishakti this time. His always smil-
ing attitude motivated juniors around him. Was always found with WLL and Coffee Mug. Finally became Torchie in
his 6th term.

111
G SQN

112
Sitting (L to R): CSM Prashant, DCC S Nair, BCA Sidharth Singh, BCC Manmohan, SCC Abhishek Singh, DCC Jaskaran Singh, DCC Tanmay Rajdeo,
CQMS Prateek Singh
Standing 1 (L to R): Cdt Lankesh Yadav, Cdt Himanshu Bartwal, Cdt RS Yogesh, Cdt Naveen M, Cdt Pradyumna Sharma, Cdt Gurkaran Singh,
Cdt Harshit Bakshi, Cdt Angad Singh
Standing 2 (L to R): Cdt Rashmit Deepak, Cdt Anmol Verma, Cdt Robin Kumar Patel
BCC MANMOHAN (A): This Quasar turned Gladiator was a happy Georgian, known as ‘Bhaiya’. This out-
standing performer was a terror for the 5th termers and a sant for his div kids. Exceptionally good in athletics,
weapon handling & firing, he led his course in Novices X-Country and consistently secured a medal in all his six
terms. This ‘Academy Phantom’ was a role model for his juniors.
CDT HARSHIT BAKSHI (AF): This AFPI gabru was best in his service subjects. He was a chill guy who liked
playing basketball and was a strict follower of ‘My Cabin, My Life’. He was also famous for his long talks on the
WLL.
CDT HIMANSHU BARTWAL (A): This Gorakhali was the shortest DCC of his course, both by height and by
duration. Known for his miniature mood swings, he was a PT stud who lived on MRP and loved to preach about
his appointment of ‘Royal OC’. Always looking for a girl for the ball, this pahari pongo will always be remembered
by his div kids as ‘the least div pop’.
CDT NAVEEN M (AF): This Keralite flyboy was at the receiving end in his junior course as CSM understudy. A
sant overstudy in his 4th term, he was a hardcore follower of ‘My Cabin, My Life’ in his 5th and 6th terms. A poten-
tial COP drill, he was a cane pilot. Loved by all his div kids.
DCC TANMAY RAJDEO (A): The person with the most OLQs and the joshbox of the entire squadron. Good at
PT and academics, he made up for his lack of skills in basketball with josh. His determination was enough for
him to overcome any obstacle.
CDT RISHAV SHEORAN YOGESH (A): This ‘gareeb’ SOSA was the most chill type guy of his course. COP in
bhaand and comedy, old songs, Hindi literature were his companions along with the flute and harmonica. Rope
was his Waterloo and his escapes from the X-Country route were legendary.
CDT PRADYUMAN SHARMA (A): This Sujanian pongo was the definition of ‘My Cabin, My Life’’. He
‘contributed’ tremendously to the squadron in his 6th term. Took his duties of camp CQ very seriously. X-Country
and PT remained his Waterloo.
CDT ROBIN KUMAR PATEL (N): This Chittorian nevla from Bihar was famous for his special weak PT ses-
sions, especially ‘chudail pushups’. He was good in PT, services and sports. He got the Book Prize for public
speaking in his 6th term. He was pal-to-none till the end of term, and yet had a heart of gold.
BCA SIDHARTH SINGH (A): This Georgian pongo was the jack of all trades. X-Country medallist from 2nd term,
he was also an athletics medallist and his mesh was full of medals. Rarely seen outside of his cabin after X-
Country in his 6th term. He was a terror for sergeants and was famous for his ‘Bhaiya’ fallouts in flank.
CDT MOHAMMED ADIL ABDALLA ADAM (A): This extremely well-built Sudanese pongo was Half Blue in Ath-
letics, and Blue in PT. He followed ‘My Cabin, My Life’ till the athletics event, where he used his javelins to reach
other squadrons. He had more medals than some of the squadrons. He will be remembered for his jolly mood
and funny accent.
DCC GURKARAN SINGH (A): This unexpected DCC was a potential Torchie throughout his six terms at NDA,
missing every time by a few marks. Sant in his senior terms, he was not interested in juniors. This khalsa was an
outstanding reader but couldn’t suggest a name for his flank.
DCC JASKARAN SINGH (A): This fiery khalsa was the lifeline of his course during camps, known for finding his
way through his own antenna. A scary yet endearing camp IC, he was feared and loved by all 4th termers. Ter-
rorised the rest of the squadron as academics IC. This Double Discipline Star and 4- time Torchie was an obedi-
ent performer.
CQMS PRATEEK SINGH (A): This amazing guy was the only non-believer of the Golf squadron CQ flank ghost,
though he was possessed sometimes by the same. This happy and silent CQMS was a treasure trove of good-
ies for all his div kids.
CDT RASHMIT DEEPAK (AF): This Bihari flyboy was good at one thing, how to maintain zero figure throughout
NDA tenure. Never took interest in his juniors or div kids, rope was his Waterloo. Improved his X-Country enclo-
sure every term by buying new pairs of shoes. Always launched his coursemates in his junior terms.
CDT ANGAD SINGH (N): This ‘athletic’ SOSA was sure to come first from last. His worries about his hair fall
has led to more hair fall. His constant worry of run test along with his protein powder helped him pass his higher
test. His relationship with the periphery was an everlasting one. A good basketball player.
SCC ABHISHEK SINGH (AF): This Lucknowi flyboy was the ‘most loved’ person in the squadron with the
‘calmest’ mind. Became Kabir Khan in his 5th term when his Preeti left him. He was a josh type X-Country medal-
list and athletics champion. He dreamt of becoming BCC, but settled for SCC.
CSM PRASHANT (A): This swaggy, josh-type CSM was always busy generating ‘intent’ in the squadron. This X-
Country medallist, COP in drill, academics phantom, BPET lead had a diploma in bunking and COP in LIC. Om-
nipresent with bone-tickling jokes, he also had ADOP in bhaand. Leader of the Uttar Pradesh sarkaar, his dance
will always be remembered by his div kids.
DCC ANMOL VERMA (A): An energetic and talented guy who was always motivated. He was a Half Blue in ten-
nis and a great sport-person. This guy transformed himself from an academic failure to a Torchie.
CDT SIDHARTH NAIR (A): This Keralite SOSA was the techie of his course. Apart from being a COP in paint-
ing, he was a 3-Star Torchie and public speaking Book Prize winner. Loved by his div kids for his practical and
caring nature, his sudden fits of energy will be remembered by all.

113
H SQN

114
Sitting (L to R): CSM Mohit Kumar, DCC Suraj Kumar, DCC Abhishek Giri, SCC Chandan K Singh, DCC Aman K Devanshu, Cdt Tshering Wangdi,
CQMS Alok Anand
Standing 1 (L to R): Cdt Satyam Kr. Singh, Cdt Ashish Tomar, Cdt Harsh, Cdt Praveen Kumar, Cdt Ashutosh Anand, Cdt G Sreeram, Cdt NP Chandrashekhar,
Cdt Prashant Bankura, Cdt Rishabh Mishra
Standing 2 (L to R): Cdt SNS Yadav, Cdt Ashish Kumar, Cdt Sukrit Kumar, Cdt Hein Htet Aung
CDT RISHABH MISHRA (N): This 8 feet giant, big boot nevla SOSA was the permanent stretcher carrier from Greenhorn
to Torna. Famous for his 'toned' English, he became 'Rish Mish the punisher' in his senior terms. A good basketball and
football player and a keen follower of 'My Cabin, My Life'. PT remained his Waterloo till his 6th term.
SCC CHANDAN KUMAR (A): This calm and cool pongo was a josh type approachable senior. Super corporal in his 4th
term, ground floor was his second home. Master of all trades: PT stud, athlete, COP in drill and got title of "fastest Indian
athlete". His word of command was impeccable.
DCC ABHISHEK GIRI (A): This Georgian pongo was Romeo to Hunter, relative of GudduBhaiya from Mirzapur. He was a
PT stud, master of all games, academics Torchie and a Georgian at heart. WLL was his second love. He will always be
known for his supernatural strength which frightened even the horses.
CDT HARSH (AF): This Ranger to Hunter KVian flyboy from Bangalore was famous among the girls due to his cheeku
face and exceptional flirting skills. He always had the corner PC in NKN reserved for him. An understanding senior and a
great basketball player, he always had a smile on his face throughout his tenure at NDA.
DCC G SREERAM (A): This Kazhak pongo was a pure beast, a PT stud, and an exceptional motivational speaker to his
4th termers. He achieved second enclosure in his 5th and 6th terms. COP in drill, this josh type DCC will always be remem-
bered for his exceptional and extraordinary sword drill in his last Drill Competition. .
CDT ASHUTOSH ANAND (A): This Quebec to Hunter Georgian pongo was the underdog of his course. Hailing from Bi-
har, he was a surprisingly good public speaker and Book Prize holder. Good in X-Country and basketball IC in his 6th term
he was nicknamed “Jordan” courtesy his skills on court. Rope was not his cup of tea.
CDT PRAVEEN KUMAR (AF): This Bihari Kunjean flyboy was fondly called “Paro” by his coursemates. He was a great
boxer and sportsman. He was infamous in his understudy course for discussing B-Tech subjects and events of next term
at midnight. His typical “Haryanvi + Bihari” accent and style will be remembered by all.
CDT SUKRIT KUMAR (A): This Tilaiyan pongo was a sufi saint throughout his NDA tenure. MRP was his bread and but-
ter until his 3rd term, where he woke up to a silver torch, and in his 6th term he found a good X-Country enclosure. Fondly
called “Sukhee”, he was always busy in course socials.Famous for his line, “SQN, Please PUT IN”.
DCC AK DEVANSHU (A): This josh type Sujanian pongo was a 5-Star Torchie. He was a PT stud and always played 1st
string in all games. Popularly known as AKD, he was a potential BCC. His motivation as a camp IC made his 4th termers
get to a respectable position. Was the best overstudy.
CDT ANURAGPAWAR (A): This dope pongo was dynamite in junior terms. He improved a lot in PT from his junior terms,
although his performance in academics became inversely proportional to his performance in PT. A fun-loving, chill-
type senior, he became public speaking IC in his 6th term. In spite of being dope, he passed out with the trophy for the
Best Cadet in Weapon Handling.
CDT NP CHANDRASEKHAR (AF): This Kazakh flyboy was a prodigy in football and most put-in type X-Country IC of
squadron. He was a COP in giving ML. A restless beast who always defied his limits. He was a PT stud, although
he remained aloof to books. Paid special attention and shared a strong bond with his understudy course.
Cdt Ashish Tomar (N): This tall skinny nevla was good in studies. A potential Blazer in cartwheel who always worked on
MRP. “My Cabin, My Life" was his funda. Came out as a great defender in Hockey 4th string and this Torchie finally passed
out with Anchor Pin. He hated X-Country practices and always joined the special ”strong PT team ”.
CDT PRASHANT BANKURA (A): This Haryanvi Jaat improved a lot since his 1st term. Josh-box of squadron, he was 2IC
of all events and also CSM's secretary as he could always be found next to him. Fondly did push ups, except in his “PT
Test”.
CQMS ALOK ANAND (A): This Bihari Chittorian CQ was 6-Star Silver Torchie, PT stud and josh type in running. Known
for his demo style of speaking English, he was a great public speaker. A good motivator, he was jack of all trades and
“worldly wise” to the core. Always knew the “hack” to doing everything in Academy.
CDT PRATHAM BAJAD (AF): This taant SPI flyboy was the pseudo-CSM of his course. This “executioner” was feared
and revered. Worked on the sole principle of “MRP”, he was glad to become corporal in his 4th term. Was a potential COP
both in Academics and PT.
CDT HEIN HTET AUNG (AF): This shy flyboy from Myanmar swam like Aquaman: was the most soft-spoken guy of the
squadron. Always found studying in his cabin, he left no stone unturned in getting his wings. His peculiar “bogey” voice
and contribution during camps will always be remembered by squadron. Maggi was his first and last love.
CDT TSHERING WANGDI (A): This josh type highlander was the most active foreign cadet. Took keen interest in every
activity in squadron and proved his mettle in athletics by getting a medal with limited practice, albeit being a complete nov-
ice. A potential Merit Card in PT, he was a fantastic gymnast. Always lightened up the mood of the squadron and his jun-
iors with his camera and photography skills.
CDT NAWEEDULLAH RAHMANI (A): This favourite “Afghani” of drill saab will always be remembered for his digging
skills in Khetarpal Parade Ground. He ensured that everyone remained fit during COVID days with his aerobatic skills. A
joshtype PT stud, he defied everyone in squadron after he did 22 chin ups at once in his junior terms. Will be remembered
for his gentlemanly conduct.
CDT SNS YADAV (AF): This Saikorian flyboy was cool, calm and composed throughout his six terms. Never took interest
in any junior except once during his 22-jug scandal. Movies were his first love, as was hockey which he played very well.
Will be remembered as the Hockey IC who took squadron to a good position.
CSM MOHIT KUMAR (A): This Academy CSM became the papa hunter in his 5th and 6th terms improving from seventh
enclosure in 2nd term. A put-in type senior when it came to games. A CSM who "tried" taking much interest in his under-
study course.
DCC SURAJ KUMAR (A): This Mauryan DCC was famous for his toxic MLs and was known as “sapola” inside squadron.
5-Star Gold Torchie in BA, he was Merit Card in Russian and a potential BCC. Took keen interest in all games and squad-
ron activities. Got work done by hook or by crook.
CDT ASHISH KUMAR (A): This KVian pongo was a 3-Star Silver Torchie but lost his interest in academics after becoming
Academics IC. Good in X-Country, he achieved second enclosure in his 5th term. He started following LIC jeevan policy
after his 3rd term.
CDT SATYAM KUMAR SINGH (A): This Quebec to Hunter hulk was one of the biggest giants of his course. Hailing from
Bihar, he will always be remembered in squadron for his selfless contribution to Book Review Competitions. His 4th
termers helped him throughout his six terms in searching for his lost items.

115
I SQN

116
Sitting (L to R): CSM Bimalroop Singh, DCC ZS Grewal, DCC Piyush Pandey, SCC Arindam Sood, BCC Shayan Somanna MN, SCC Pratham Singh,
DCC Shakti Kumar, CQMS MR Chobe
Standing (L to R): Cdt Anand Anil, Cdt KP Gyeltshen, Cdt Avinash Singh, Cdt Ankit Tiwari, Cdt AA Gaikwad, Cdt Harshvardhan Pandey, Cdt Shashwat
Sharma, Cdt Shubhashish Bhatt, Cdt Shivam Singh, Cdt Vikram Verma, Cdt US Chahar, Cdt Vikas Kumar
CDT AS LAMBA (AF): This flyboy Rimcollian was from Punjab. Could be awarded ‘’most chilled cadet” in Acad-
emy. Worked on the principle of “RELAX”.
CDT A SINGH (A): This Torchie pongo was the academics in-charge of the squadron. He had his fingers rightly
set on his casio and his music. Will always be remembered for his Chandler Bing level of sarcasm.
CDT A TIWARI (A): This pongo from Lucknow, UP was famous throughout Academy for giving gyan. Juniors
stayed away from him because of his knowledge about anything and everything. He was also known for making
jokes that were too funny for anyone to understand.
CDT H PANDEY (A): This SOSA Discipline Star fulfilled his quota of punishments in his 6th term. Good in public
speaking and academics. He often boasted about his beauty to juniors
CDT SHIVAM SINGH (A): This Upsainian was a Torchie and good X-Country runner. Loved his veg pancakes
and never shared them with anyone. Was good in PT and helped juniors improve as well.
CDT S BHATT (A): This Pahadi focused his efforts on correcting juniors’ rigs and basics. Was a very good and
understanding senior. He was a PT stud, and he ensured his juniors improved as well
BCC S SOMANNA (A): This Kodagu cheeku became popular after his D-7 word of command. He played in the
Academy team in hockey. Was good in PT, but rope was his Waterloo.
DCC S KUMAR (A): This Bihari is in desperate need of a dentist. Was Merit Card in Hindi and athletics medal-
list. Squadron time was too precious for him to waste in fall-in.
CSM P SINGH (AF): The Academy’s Rocky Balboa was the boxing 2IC in 5th term. Was chill-type till his 5th term
until his appointment as CSM. He kept a good music playlist.
SCC A SOOD (N): This Sujanian nevla was COP drill. For him, squadron was only his cabin or the adjacent
NKN room. He only learned the full extent of squadron while looking for his kitbag which had his drill boots.
DCC ZS GREWAL (A): This Quasar turned Injun was a sant-type DCC. Was athletics medallist and Merit Card
in discus throw. He was a friendly senior who was approachable.
CDT B SINGH (A): This missile of course was academics torchie. Was Academy team tennis and squash.
Loved to read books and finally accomplished his dream of pinning the sword on his chest.
CDT S SHARMA (AF): This Rimco flyboy was athletics medallist and good in X-Country. PT stud in 5th term,
until the lassi got on to him. Was good in Services as well.
CDT AA GAIKWAD (N): This SPI lassi-type senior loved dancing to “Bijlee Bijlee”. He was good in football and
hockey. He was fun-loving and took care of his juniors.
CQMS M R CHOBE (A): This SPI rose to the rank of accidental CQMS from MES complaints in charge, was
chill-type cabin cupboard in charge. Grew a moustache to cover his face for obvious reasons.
CDT A ANIL (A): He was camp IC of squadron. He was a tough SOSA who became a terror for juniors going for
camp. Fed himself and his understudies well.
CDT V KUMAR (A): Took retirement in 6th term from being most terror type senior. Loved his cabin in his 6th
term. He did not just go for camps, he went camping after finishing two camps in his 6th term.
CDT US CHAHAR (A): The Academy cheeku former India CQ was course topper in his 5th term. Unfortunately,
he couldn’t save his stripes in his 6th term.
CDT KP GYELTSHEN (A): The Bhuti of the course was a chill-type senior for Indian cadets, but only Bhutis
knew his true colours. Spoke Hindi very well.
DCC P PANDEY (A): Potential Merit Card PT was a very good senior. His cream rolls saved his Services in 6th
term. He was the navigator of squadron and taught map-reading to every course in squadron.
CDT V VERMA (AF): This flyboy from Meerut worked on MRP. Was barely seen in squadron throughout his 6th
term. Swimming was his Waterloo.

117
J SQN

118
Sitting (L to R): CQMS Shanav Sharma, DCC Shashank Garg, DCC Narendra Shekhar Azad, SCC Abhishek Mani Tripathi, DCC Rahul Rocky Alvares, Cdt
Abhinav Kumar, Cdt Rishabh Nainwal, CSM Devesh Kumar Chaudhary
Standing (L to R): Cdt Paramveer Singh, Cdt Shubham Sharma, Cdt Chandan, Cdt Prashant Singh, Cdt Kshitij Singh, Cdt Prasanna VD, Cdt Vishal Funde,
Cdt Naitik Bhadauria, Cdt Anurag Yadav, Cdt Luv Patel, Cdt JA Hadrian Roger
CQMS SHANAV SHARMA (N): Torchie nevla, delhi boy was known for his academics and dancing skills. The
squadron will miss his josh type playlist and daily Squadron Office interactions.
CSM DEVESH KUMAR CHAUDHARY (AF): This Kunjean flyboy CSM tried his level best to be terror type, yet
remained soft spoken. Keeping up with Juliet CSM traditions, he was impeccable in drill. Public Speaking Book
Prize, PT stud, potential X-Country medallist was admired for his effort in boxing. Squadron will miss his pre-
timed route playlist.
SCC ABHISHEK MANI TRIPATHI (A): A very put-in type SCC, actual josh box of the squadron. 6- Star Torchie.
DST motivation was the Georgian Godfather of the squadron. His legendary word of command will be remem-
bered every D1 & D7.
CDT NAILWAL RISHABH ISHWAR (N): Eats IC of the squadron, once a 4th termer, always a 4th termer. Never
got tanned in the sun because of his infinite supplies of beauty products. Known for his anti-cabin cupboard state
and had an overstudy from his own course.
CDT ANURAG YADAV (A): Sujanian X-Country medalist, COP in reasoning, PT stud, anteroom IC since 4th
term. Took great interest in events “after they were completed”. Had a tendency to see crap everywhere.
CDT SHUBHAM SHARMA (A): The pongo hailed from Lucknow, 1st rotation DCC. Ensured extra rovers training
in his 4th term. Potential second enclosure, his helping nature and never say die attitude will be missed.
DCC NARENDRA SHEKHAR AZAD (A): Pongo Rimcollian was invisible in squadron till he became DCC. Jack
of all trades, PT stud, Torchie, COP Chinese, X-Country. He was known for his love and possessiveness for his
hairstyle and 'nonsense'. Never felt the need for WLL since his 1st term.
CDT CHANDAN (AF): Cheeku flyboy grounded in 6th term. He was saint of the squadron. Merit Card in basket-
ball, potential Torchie, always found studying in NKN and balcony with his trio. Took extremely keen interest in
his understudies.
CDT PARAMVEER SINGH (A): Pongo Haryanvi was known for his peculiar playlist. Saint since his 1st term was
more often found on the periphery during OTW. Maintained a close relation with WLL and had immense love for
his understudy.
DCC RAHUL ROKCY ALVARES (N): Josh type SPI nevla, DCC by chance. PT stud, X-Country medallist, ath-
letics, swimming stud. This ninja turtle was good at everything. He pulled all nighters to speak to someone spe-
cial during his 4th term.
CDT PRASANNA VITTAL DALAVAYI (A): Most OC of his course. He was naturally good at camouflaging him-
self. It was his dream to become a Knight in shining armour for a damsel in distress. Squadron will miss his jolly
nature.
CDT PRASHANT SINGH (A): 5-Star Torchie hut guard, took special interest in his understudy course, especially
during cabin cupboard. Person of high spirit and energy. He was always seen buffering while giving MLs to jun-
iors.
CDT KSHITIJ CHAUHAN (AF): Ghorakhali flyboy was a force to be reckoned with. He was a Jack of all trades
who got two twin bombs in his 4th term. Loved just two things, his understudies and flying.
CDT JA HADRIAN ROGER (A): His course had a tough time memorizing his full name. Some 2nd termers still
doubt whether he's from Juliet or not. LIC and thin client was how he lived his life. Always felt his juniors were
'doing bhaand'. He had a look-alike understudy.
CDT LUV MAGANBHAI PATEL (A): pongo Balachadian who made the balcony his second cabin, and was fa-
mous for his barbie doll gown. Jack of all games, was 'periphery king' throughout his NDA tenure. Potential Merit
Card PT, COP in bhaand, grounded in 6th term for affinity towards the periphery.
CDT ABHINAV KUMAR (A): Potential Merit Card, this Chittorian took special hydration care of his understudy.
He had weird musical fantasies in his 5th term. No one has ever done a better T vault than him.
CDT VISHAL ASHOK FUNDE (A): 6-Star Torchie, DCC was the ladies-man of his course. Potential Merit Card
Riding, COP in drill. He was always publically praised by drill saab. Probably the only 6th termer to be happily
grounded & also received guests in the squadron parade ground.
CDT KOMILJON ASHUROV (A): Josh type Tajiki, PT hunk, Half-Blue Riding, Polo and Riding Spur, Academy
Team Riding, and athletics medallist. Every horse in the Academy was afraid of him. His MLs will be remem-
bered for generations to come.
CDT NAITIK BHADAURIYA (A): Ace map reader, ate, slept and lived in 4th termer's bivouacs. Took keen inter-
est in rovers, brought the squadron its first trophy. Loved Harry Potter a little too much. He destroyed everything
that came in his path, once his compass bearing was set, especially his coursemates.
DCC SHASHANK GARG (A): Josh type Afpian pongo was potential BCC, potential COP in drill. Known for his
pangas with DIs and for conducting Punjabi socials every weekend. Asked for ball partners, but ended up reject-
ing 3. 4-Star Torchie, PT stud, X-Country stud, potential PT colours, most josh type 6th termer.

119
K SQN

120
Sitting (L to R): CQMS Shantanu Khatri, CSM Prathmesh Ingle, DCC Prashant, SCC Nitin Sharma, BCA Shivam Kanhaiya, DCC Ishan Bakshi, DCC Udit
Sharma, CSM Chinmay Thakur
Standing 1 (L to R): Cdt Sahil Chadha, Cdt Chencho Norbu, Cdt Upendra Lal, Cdt R Avi, Cdt Bittu Raj, Cdt Abhinav Kumar, Cdt Yogesh Lamba, Cdt M
Adhija, Cdt Akshat Swami, Cdt Jagdeep Singh, Cdt Vikramaditya
Standing 2 (L to R): Cdt Anand Sagagr, Cdt Ojas Sanghel, Cdt Shantanu Kapoor
DCC UDIT SHARMA (A): This tiny pongo was the academics IC and 6-Star Silver Torchie. Least in-
terested in squadron, master in MLs and kanjoosi.
CDT M ADHIJA VENKATESH (AF): The MRP type Rimcollian was known for cacophony. A Merit
Card PT, he was never seen outside his cabin except for boxing and athletics.
CDT ANAND SAGGAR (A): This SOSA was good in academics, followed ‘My Cabin, My Life’ policy.
Asked only one question to his juniors, “Ya Kilo! Which sqn?”
CDT BITTU RAJ (AF): This Amravian was always upto something notorious. X-Country medallist,
Merit Card in Arabic, he had WLL in his 6th term cabin i.e. Ante Room.
CDT OJAUS SANGHEL (A): This pahadi pongo was a potential DCC. Had a nightmare of Drill and X-
Country especially in his 6th term.
SCC NITIN SHARMA (A): This pongo Georgian lead the academy in X-Country, Blue in X-Country,
Silver Torchie, down to earth. PT & swimming remained his waterloo.
CDT RAVI (AF): This Haryanvi flyboy was a nightmare for his 5th termers, well known for his teeth
flashing smile. Good at brawn but not brain.
CQMS SUDHANSHU KHARI (AF): This Quasar- Killer was often found sleeping in his cabin, and still
managed to get a Red Vest. Was seen stuck to WLL. Commanded so much respect that even his
course mates referred to him as ‘Sir’.
DCC ISHAN BAKSHI (AF): This ‘Dynamite’ was often found screaming in the corridor for no reason at
all. Always jolly, always a senior to look up to, until he became camp-IC in his 6th term.
CDT SHANTANU KAPOOR (A): The humming bird of squadron, cheering up every one with his
jokes, he was the king of Service subjects. Had his marvellous artistic fervours around the squadron.
CDT CHINMAY THAKUR (A): This Ambikan was the most chill type senior in squadron. He seemed
to be non-interested but always did his bit. Good at almost all things, fond of old Hindi songs but still
searching for a girlfriend.
CDT UPENDRA LAL (A): He was known for his OGness in his course although he was good in X-
Country and academics. PT was his Waterloo which he conquered in his 6th term.
CSM PRATHMESH INGALE (A): This Taant pongo was always too interested in squadron. He used
to remind his juniors what they were incapable of in a very ‘Gentle and Polite’ way. Performed always
better than the last performance.
CDT VIKRAMADITYA (A): This public speaker was twice in size of his understudy. Public speaking
IC was always seen in ante-room even after the event was over, such was his dedication for squad-
ron.
CDT PARSHANT (N): He was seen in riding rig even after his 4th term, did his bit for squadron and a
little bit more for the horses at ETT.
CDT YOGESH LAMBA (A): Riding for him was not that great, broke a bone yet was first class at
ropes. Everything was good except his understudy’s desire to become an Eagle rather than a Killer.
CDT ABHINAV KUMAR (A): He was extremely good at Services, too good at academics and check-
ing juniors for mistakes.
CDT AKSHAT (A): This pongo had always given everything the second priority. Maggie always
stayed at the top; above Service and Self, it seemed sometimes!
CDT CHENCHO NORBU (A): This Bhuti Sanjeev Kapoor had his own khana khazana in his cabin.
Yet he wore a Red Vest and took good care of juniors’ PT.
BCA SHIVAM KANHAIYA (A): Chill Type senior, buddy pair of whole squadron but not of the Ser-
geants. Ensured enough lassi for Kilo 5th termers at the mess gates.

121
L SQN

122
Sitting (L to R): CSM Sarvesh Kumar, Cdt Amartya Rai, Cdt Sudershan Chhetri, DCC Sehgal, SCC Abhimanyu Dashrat Ghorpade, DCC Aman Parihar,
DCC Madhav Kumar Jha, CQMS Deepak Pal
Standing (L to R): Cdt Soham Aprajit, Cdt Harsh Dangwal, Cdt Akhil, Cdt Jayant Bali, Cdt Prakhyat Singh Masand, Cdt Nikhil Tyagi, Cdt Aryan Rajpoot,
Cdt Omkar Vinayak Morale, Cdt Bharat Pandey, Cdt Harpreet Singh
CDT BHARAT PANDEY (AF): This chill type flyboy was good in sports, COP in Arabic and loved to
have extra long chats with juniors.
CDT HARPREET SINGH (A): “HAPPY” sir was an anti-midterm mood senior and a foodie. He was
eats in-charge of his course and was senti for cold coffee and muffins.
CDT SUDERSHAN CHHETRI (AF): This unpredictable Purulian panda flyboy was good in football. He
took special interest in cabin cupboard and B.Tech types. He was also an expert at collecting items.
CDT SOHAM APARAJIT (A): ‘BHAU’ was a josh type CQ-family SPI taant, was favourite of 4th
termers, believed in ‘My Cabin, My Life’, was a great foodie.
CDT AKHIL (A): ‘BHAIYA JI’ was well known for his diverse collection of eats. Ladoo was his staple
diet. Took keen interest in 3rd termers. His loss of temper was directly proportional to loss of his dun-
garee lowers. His greatest mistake was becoming Book Review in-charge.
DCC AKSHIT SEHGAL (AF): This chill type Sujanian loved to have socials. M1 in all terms but still
‘mysteriously’ grounded. Favourite of Squadron Office as commander of easy company.
DCC MADHAV JHA (A): This Amaravian PT stud was extremely interested in juniors. His ‘logical’
daily routines and high josh were always a motivation for juniors, and ensured training of Amravians
for years to come.
CDT AMARTYA RAI (A): This josh type pongo Kunjean was a X-Country stud and believed in “My
Cabin, My Life”. He couldn’t find the mystery behind his hair loss even after six terms.
CDT HARSH DANGWAL (AF):‘DOPPA’ was always found with either WLL or food. Technical PT was
his forte. He was chill type, believed in “My Cabin, My Life”.
CDT JAYANT BALI (A): This unpredictable pongo was the Adjutant of the squadron. ’Bhaloo’ of his
course, he took special interest in 3rd termers. He always talked in multiples of PT rig. Had trouble
hearing in 3rd term.
CSM SARVESH KUMAR (A): This josh box CSM was stud in X-Country and football. Suffered from
all medical problems in 1st and 2nd terms, but never reported to anyone, because it was all mental. He
was the favourite of drill saabs.
CDT OV MORALE (A): ‘LORD OF AHMEDNAGAR’ was a cut SOSA. Took special interest in WLL
and 3rd termers. Nobody could possibly give what he could give.
SCC ABHIMANYU GHORPADE (N): SCC-GPD was a josh type Rimcollian. He had a COP in drill and
was well known for his motivational speeches and logic. His artificial seriousness was always a source
of amusement to all.
CQMS DEEPAK PAL (A): This 5-Star Torchie was a firm believer that his course was the best trained
lot. ”Ek to tumne dekha nahin hai, aise nah hota hai”, was his tagline. In-charge of entertainment in
flank.
CDT NIKHIL TYAGI (N): Shashi Tharoor of the course. He was good in public speaking, was also
known for his pumping tradition. His midnight calls from ‘someone’ were a source of great mystery for
his juniors.
CDT PRAKHYAT SINGH MASAND (AF): ‘MAQSOOD BHAI’ for his coursemates, and maa-saman for
his juniors. COP in photography and believed in “My Cabin, My Life”.
CDT ARYAN RAJPOOT (AF): This flyboy was known for his affinity towards neembu-paani and bhel.
Finally achieved his dream of becoming a Torchie in 6th term. He loved his hockey stick.
DCC AMAN PARIHAR (A): This josh type Himachali Sujanian was known for his socials, firm believer
in everything being mental. Good in X- Country. Always found lighting mosquito coils.

123
M SQN

124
Sitting (L to R): CSM Samay Pandhi, DCC Navdeep Singh, DCC Mandeep Yadav, SCC Anurag Kanav, ACA Abhimanyu Singh Rathore, DCC SHV Reddy,
Cdt Shivam Singh, CQMS Ravi Kumar
Standing (L to R): Cdt Saurabh Singh, Cdt TRPM Jayathissa, Cdt Ankit Chahar, Cdt Sateesh Kumar, Cdt Rajshekhar Jadhav, Cdt Rakshit Choudhary,
Cdt Sampat Krunal Keyur, Cdt Samarth Singh, Cdt Krishna Chauhan, Cdt Himanshu Joshi, Cdt Shubham Devidas Gharghe, Cdt Akshaan Mann
CDT SHIVAM SINGH (A): This 4-Star Torchie from UP was the Academics in-charge of squadron .A terror for
all academic failures, he ran a tight ship. His broken digital watch will be remembered by his junior courses.
DCC SHV REDDY (AF): This dope Saikorian was squadron pal. His existence was only known when PT and
X-Country arrived. A die hard follower of “My Cabin, My Life”.
CDT R CHOUDHARY (A): This SOSA always had his fundas clear be it training or be it shamming. Ensured
his overstudy’s training in junior terms but forgot his understudy’s training as a senior. Best example of “My
NKN, My Life”.
CDT SAURABH SINGH (A): This Bihari pongo was known for his reduction training which was always fol-
lowed by a lot of food. A potential COP in drill, this Camp IC received all his camp training in his 6th term.
CDT SAMARTH SINGH (AF): This self motivated flyboy who always meant business and took keen interest in
his juniors. In his three year stint at the Academy he showed great improvement, be it X-Country or academ-
ics. Finally landed in 2nd enclosure in his 6th term.
DCC NAVDEEP SINGH (A): This pongo from Meerut enjoyed his DCC tenure way too much . Made an enclo-
sure jump from 4th to 2nd in his 5th term and maintained it.Good in academics and a mustang on route, always
made the squadron laugh. A potential COP in drill,if it wasn’t for his drill.
CDT KRISHNA CHAUHAN (A): This Georgian flyboy from Bihar believed in “My Cabin, My Life”. Drill re-
mained his strong point and was COP Drill in his 5th term. Rope haunted him till his 6th term. He was good at X
-Country.
DCC MANDEEP YADAV (A): This Bihari Georgian was a Merit card in PT, a good swimmer and a Blazer in
Maggi. He was a pro in all ‘ball’ games. He will be missed by all for his witty replies. He will be remembered by
ATT for his adventures with the PNS and his sleepy LDs.
CDT ANKIT KUMAR (N): This die-hard fan of ‘Katraj Milk’ was always seen searching for the same. Tried to
become a terror in his 6th term but failed miserably. Always eager to help anyone who required it. Was a
Blazer in ‘Inglis’.
ACA ABHIMANYU SINGH (A): This Speco-Rimco was admired and respected by all. Was already a 6th ter-
mer in his 1st term. Half Blue in PT, Multi medallist, COP Drill, Course topper and what not. Ensured that the
Academy was ‘Garam’ as ACA.
CSM SAMAY PANDHI (A): Anger on his face, curses on his lips, this mortal God was always ready to kill.
This fearsome AFPIan was a ‘jack of all trades’. A strong supporter of the Maratha Light Infantry.
CDT SAMPAT KRUNAL KEYUR (AF): This Rimcollian flyboy was always sleepy. He was a staunch believer
of “My Cabin’, My Life”. His MRP skills were unbeatable. His cheerfulness will be missed by all.
CDT HIMANSHU JOSHI (N): This MRP type pahadi was the most chill type senior. A ‘jack of all trades’, he
was the captain of the 3rd string of every sport. An ideal senior who helped everyone who approached him.
CDT AKSHAAN MANN (A): Name an event and he will make his own philosophy on it. An accomplished pub-
lic speaker, he was the man to go for EDMs. A passionate army SOSA who never let his understudy be sad.
CDT RS JADHAV (A): Beauty only skin deep .This handsome dark guy with a white heart searched the world
but couldn’t get a ball partner. He was potential Merit Card in PT since his 1st term.
SCC ANURAG KANAV (A): SCC was always high in spirit and an inspiration for all, suffering injuries is all
mental. A Merit Card in Chinese, and all rounder SCC suffered too many pals-o-phobia.
CQMS RAVI KUMAR (A): This Haryanvi artist who became CQMS was 6- Star Torchie and Course topper.
He had an extraordinary ability to get his work done by the Corporals. He was known to his peers as Potlia.
CDT TRPM JAYATHISSA (A): This Sri- Lankan lion was the pride of Mustangs. A humble and caring person,
X- Country and athletics medallist . He was the most approachable senior, who would help in every way possi-
ble. He loved his corridor types and was respected by everyone.
CDT SATEESH KUMAR (AF): This awesome flyboy hailed from Bihar, a Silver Torchie in B Tech. He had a
hard time with pushups in his 6th term. Always enthusiastic, ready to come out and play. He could steal your
heart with his awesome smile.

125
N SQN

126
Sitting (L to R): CSM Pratik Patil, Cdt Dipesh Chaurasia, DCC Naman Mehta, SCC Nitin Sharma, DCC Manoj Kumar, DCC Azad Singh,
CQMS Hemraj Bisht
Standing 1 (L to R): Cdt Abhishek, Cdt Vicky Pawar, Cdt Ketan Sarangal, Cdt Dewesh Singh, Cdt Ankit Yadav, Cdt Prateek SI, Cdt Manish Kumar,
Cdt Sherab Wangchuk, Cdt Kushagra Kalra
Standing 2 (L to R): Cdt Nandan Parmane, Cdt Yashwant Nagare, Cdt Milind Tyagi, Cdt R Aniketh Loganathan
CDT KETAN SARANGAL (A): This AFPIAN could easily be spotted in front of Squadron Office in green patrol after
every test. The AFPIan was a very big fan of gym. He maintained his cabin on ground floor effortlessly in senior terms.
He was the Athletics in-charge.
CDT ANIKETH LOGANATHAN (A): Public speaking in-charge and granny of the squadron. The 4th generation SOSA
was a record setter for completing his 21 restrictions in 10 days and eventually lost his Double Discipline Star. NDA
ball with his dream girl remained a dream for him.
CDT KUSHAGRA KALRA (N): The quiz in-charge utilized all the time he could get in NKN and ante room to stay up-
dated in English songs. He believed in ‘My Cabin, My Life’. He was of a very calm nature. He was a naval cadet who
was always found studying.
CDT NANDAN PARMANE (N): This hardcore nevla was full of peace and kindness throughout his tenure. This swim-
ming in-charge of the squadron will be missed by all Punekars for his frequent place type socials that he conducted.
CSM PRATEEK PATIL (A): This pongo Ajinkyan became a X-Country medallist and Torchie in his 5th term. One of
the best map readers in the Academy who preferred spending his sundays on fake liberties, doing map reading on
1146 but could never enjoy a real liberty.
CQMS HEMRAJ BISHT (A): This CQMS from Pithoragarh was good in almost everything, a potential COP in drill,
was a saint till his 5th term but terror in his 6th term and had an unfortunate affinity towards Gating in his 6th term.
CDT ANKIT YADAV (A): He was one of the best all rounders among Natkhat Ninjas. Hailing from UP, this RIMCO
was a master in hockey and squash. Famous for his chubbyness, he only lacked a few feet of height. This terror giant
will always be remembered for his signature pentapt rig by his juniors.
CDT VICKY PAWAR (A): This 5- Star Torchie saw consistent fall from Gold to Bronze to none. The camp IC was
known for his map reading skills. He was stud in PT and X- Country. He was aware of every possible chatki. His ac-
cent directly came from Mirzapur. Public speaking was his Waterloo.
CDT PRATEEK S I (AF): The Kodagian flyboy was so interested in squadron that he became volleyball in-charge in
6th term even when volleyball wasn’t conducted in the Academy. His cool and composed attitude was appreciated by
all. He believed in ‘My Cabin, My Life’.
CDT SHERAB WANGCHUK (A): This cadet from Bhutan was famous for his casual walk and easy going hand
springs. He was always seen smiling in the squadron. His famous shoulder popping in and out will always be remem-
bered. This laughing Buddha was a good basketball player, academician.
SCC NITIN SHARMA (A): The ultra-put in type Georgian was a PT Merit Card. He was a 3-Star Torchie and ATT was
his first love.He was preparing for Bayonet Pin since his 3rd term. He was excellent in Weapons Training and Firing. He
was called Saint Cadet Captain.
CDT DIPESH CHAURASIA (A): The Chittorian was the X-Country captain of the Glider Squadron. He became a med-
allist himself in his last term. He was a terror for juniors until his 5th term. He took sanyas from Academy after winning
the Glider.
DCC MANISH KUMAR (A): The Doonite Drill IC of the squadron was the perfectionist guy in the squadron. He was
2nd rotation DCC. Favourite of Drill Saab and his Divisional Officer. His only dream was to win the Drill Comp Trophy.
CDT NAMAN MEHTA (A): The Sujanian pongo was the mastermind of the squadron and backbone as well. He was
the camp in-charge of fourth termers but 2IC of all events. A blue eyed boy of Squadron Office and Gole market eater-
ies’ brand ambassador too. He was an approachable senior.
CDT KARAN SINGH (A): Topper in Services. The Rajkumar from Rajasthan and the academics in-charge of the
squadron was always found asking for food in the squadron and was famous as dope of the squadron. His love for drill
was so much that he got his lanyard again in 4th term.
CDT YASHWANT NAGARE (A): This Pongo was a SPIan but his actions were no less than an attention seeking dic-
tator. He wished to be the happiness in charge of the squadron but even failed in that. He was one of the favourites of
Squadron Office but still managed not to get grounded in 6th term.
DCC AZAD SINGH (A): The Saikapian was the laughing Buddha of squadron. You could always find him laughing
and confused. The PT in-charge in lieu of ensuring good results ensured food, sleep and milk in squadron. He was a
consistent visitor of gym.
CDT ABHISHEK (A): This Georgian Pongo performed in nearly every event. Most of his 6th term went inside the gym.
He was a potential Flag Corporal but got the opportunity to escort the Commandant only once. He took basketball to
another level under his captaincy. He preferred sleep hundred times over cold coffee and pastry.
CDT MILIND TYAGI (N): The Kungfu Panda had managed to reduce his tummy with M1 and 2nd enclosure in X-
Country. This nevla was feared by the juniors till his 4th term after that he attained moksha and became real tyagi. He
was found entangled to landline and NKN room throughout his 6th term.
CDT DEWESH SINGH (AF): The flyboy was the cabin cupboard in-charge of the squadron. He had a good collection
of posters and was found spreading silly jokes whenever he got a chance to do so. X-Country and run tests remained
his Waterloo.
DCC MANOJ KUMAR (AF): The flyboy was the angry man of the squadron who ensured following of SOP and extra
put-in everywhere. He also became second rotation DCC and made the ears of squadron bleed until all book reviews
were submitted.

127
O SQN

128
Sitting (L to R): CSM Mihir Gadgil, DCC Tshering Penjor, DCC Gaurav Bhandari, SCC Ashmik Gaur, BCA Arvind Chauhan, DCC Sachin K Saha,
CQMS Prajwal Thorat
Standing 1 (L to R): Cdt JC Jayakodi, Cdt Parth Chowdhary, Cdt Tanay Kumar, Cdt Ujwal Singh, Cdt Abin Jayakumar, Cdt Thakur Ekansh,
Cdt Atharva Surve
Standing (L to R): Cdt Jandeep Sudan, Cdt Devesh Jara, Cdt Aman Rathore
BCA ARVIND CHAUHAN (A): A terror for juniors as a sergeant in his fifth term, this Georgian becamenearly
invisible after becoming BCA. He was a performer in every field, except making maggi, for which he had to rely
on his div-kids.
CDT PARTH CHOUDHARY (A): “Pacho” as he was lovingly known by his coursemate, this Haryanvi was a die
hard fan of cold coffee and WLL. His story with rope was death at first sight.
CDT JAYAKODI (A): This Sri Lankan pongo was hardly seen in the squadron. All SL cadets of the Academy
were often seen flowing into his cabin.
CDT UJJWAL SINGH (AF): This Jharkhandi pongo was a great X-Country runner and a loved div pop.
DCC T PENJORE (A): This Bhuti DCC was COP drill, great X- Country runner and basketball player. Rarely
seen in the squadron, he occasionally made an appearance to beatbox in squadron intercom. A brilliant chef, he
had cadets mess life in his cabin.
CDT TE CHAUHAN (A): This Meeruti thakur was famous for being a playboy. He had two X-country medals oc-
cupying a place of prominence in his cabin. Juniors coming after sixth enclosure shut their eyes open after see-
ing him.
CDT AMAN RATHORE (A): This chatora pongo from SS Rewa was lassi in-charge of the squadron. He was
renowned for all the right things – hogging , blasting music and that his div kids were a little less miserable in life.
CDT TANAY KUMAR (N): This handsome onions life principle was live and let live. swimming in-charge and
potential Merit Card.
CDT DEVESH JAJRA (A): Mere sight of this Rajasthani pocket rocket made juniors move to ropes. PT in-
charge in 6th term, his washboard abs and cynical stare could make the juniors freeze.
CDT SURENDRA SINGH (A): The academics in-charge of the squadron made sure that study periods became
night mares for the juniors. This Rajasthani 5-Star Torchie’s English was as broken as his hands. Always en-
sured that his juniors achieved their potential in every field.
CDT ATHARVA SURVE (AF): This towering gentlemen Orion was too fond of his cabin, and only came out dur-
ing public speaking and to ask book review 30 mins prior to submission. A chill type senior loved by his div kids.
Drill and academics remained his Waterloo.
CQMS PRAJWAL SANTOSH THORAT (A): This pongo from SPI demanded respect and squadron funds with
the same eagerness. Good X-Country runner and josh type map reader in his junior terms, he was left to carry-
ing the stretcher in Torna.
DCC GAURAV BHANDARI (A): This pahadi pongo was much sought after by the Squadron Office and a much
loved div pop. Hardly seen in the squadron after M1, he rose from ashes to retain his DCC tabs. The most lost
type map reader of the course.
CSM MIHIR GADGI (AF): This Nagpur flyboy’s droopy eyes were the sign of all the sleep he has stolen both as
sergeant and as CSM. A josh type hoopster, he was always found craving for eats, CSM bashing was his night-
mare.
SCC ASHMIK GAUR (A): Master of all trades but jack of none’ was the philosophy of this Ghorakhali. X-Country
medallist, Academy hockey team captain. A put-in type SCC, he made sure that juniors remained confused as to
who the actual CSM was.
DCC SK SAHA (A): This nevla from Jharkhand was cooler than ice.He loved his flankies just as much as he
loved blasting Bhojpuri tunes. 3-Star Torchie he was was Squadron Office’s favourite.
CDT ABHINJAY KUMAR (A): This Kazak was lassi in-charge of juniors and strongly believed in the ‘jiyo aur
jeene do’ philosophy. A good player of all games was always seen in ante room.
CDT J S SUDAN (N): “Piston Deep” as he was lovingly known among his div kids. This Maverick Khalsa was a
serial rule breaker whose philosophy was “Rules are made to be broken”. He had an undying love for ‘Doritos’.

129
P SQN

130
Sitting (L to R): CSM Ankur Sharma, DCC Vivek Kumar, SCC Vimal Kumar, ACC Kumar Saurav, DCC Abhishek, DCC Aman Patel, CQMS OM Gupta
Standing 1 (L to R): Cdt Saurav Pandey, Cdt Shaunak Bhave, Cdt Shashwat Vignesh, Cdt Praveen Sewada, Cdt Sudarshan, Cdt Prateek Sharma,
Cdt Shubham Yadav, Cdt Sahil Kumar, Cdt K Malik, Cdt Y Arya
Standing 2 (L to R): Cdt Shaurya Makhloga, CSM Shreyansh Singh, Cdt M Pathak, Cdt Ayush Aswal
CDT KSHITIJ MALIK (AF): This dude from VIT accidentally levitated into Panther pushing the Dimona down with his
weight. A true gentleman who was good at joining bonds and breaking hearts.
CSM ANKUR SHARMA (N): This minority species from the Jat land of Haryana was fondly called Stuart Little by his
coursemates in the squadron. He was a Merit Card in Arabic. His outfit of the day on weekends – Ceremonials. This
‘Bhayankar’ cadet was always getting into trouble. His favourite number - 21(since 1st term).
SCC VIMAL KUMAR (A): An Academy Team Basketball Player, this real Black Panther from the coal fields of Tilaiya
was always found doing laborious tasks in the squadron . A real lover – whether of the squadron or his WLL, was Sick
Leave Cadet Captain for the first half and Category Cadet Captain for the next half of the term. He conducted all
squadron activities virtually from his cabin.
DCC AMAN PATEL (A): This “Detonating Cadet Captain’s” habitat was known to no one as His Highness’s cabin re-
mained locked for all the six terms. A preacher by profession and breacher by heart was good in running and managed
2nd enclosure in his 6th term. His performance in question papers of morality and results in BRO’s will be remembered
by everyone.
CDT SHUBHAM YADAV (A): A deserving ACC in the boots of DCC was the best map reader of his course. This
COP in blasting and ADOP in power PT was known for his anecdotes from 1st term. This man will always be remem-
bered for his helping nature.
CDT PK SEWDA (A): This “jack” was always found with “packs” in the periphery. A Merit Card in Arabic If anyone
wants to excel in Academy effortlessly, he is the man to be contacted. A savior for juniors, he will be missed by all.
CDT SHOUNAK BHAVE (N): A Merit Card in Arabic this tantad camp IC managed his time between studying ROR
and Hamla. He ensured training for his understudy, was 3rd enclosure in X-Country. Doing rope was his Waterloo and
searching for a ball partner for NDA Ball his passion.
CQMS OM GUPTA (A): This cadet cum Corporal cum Sergeant cum DCC cum CQMS cum Bearing IC of the squad-
ron was always found checking the shave of juniors. Immaculate about rigs and a good person from heart but only if
you had brassoed and ironed properly. He was known for his sessions outside squadronn as a Sergeant.
DCC ABHISHEK (A): He was known for his witty skills and never let his love down for rope since 4th term and was the
only Torchie in his 4th term. A good person at heart who’s only pride (moustache) was submitted to Squadron Office in
his 6th term.
CDT SAHIL KUMAR (AF): This flyboy always high on top floor was the Drill Captain and justified the tag of Georgian.
He was much feared and revered by the juniors in his 6th term. He had also hidden talents as a masterchef.
ACC KUMAR SAURAV (A): The first not known ACC to the Sergeants, a good learner who kept on learning and
ONLY kept on learning. A first string player of each turf including Parade Ground was the unanimous king of Pole
Vault.
DCC VIVEK KUMAR (A): This Kumar from Bihar was the School Captain of SS Purulia. A Hockey wizard and the only
Torchie in 6thterm. He was known for his tricks for extracting reactions from juniors.
CDT SAURAV PANDEY (N): He was the phoenix from his course who improved drastically in his Academy tenure. A
true Bihari at heart.
CDT AYUSH ASWAL (A): COP Drill, Merit Card in PT, Half Blue Athletics and what not. He was a beast of his course
who could easily take toll of lives and restriction all under his aegis. A true sportsman: fond of playing where one is not
supposed to and when not supposed to, resulting in East Wing of Cadets Mess being made out of bound for him.
CDT PRATEEK SHARMA (A): A true Panther who was a potential Merit Card in PT without doing PT since 1st term.
His extremely good PT standards made him famous among his juniors. This PT IC of the squadron ensured a good
position of Panther where they belong to (1st).
CDT SHAURYA MAKHLOGA (A): A survivor of a nuclear blast who felt the radiations of the blast till the end of term.
A scenario where: “he came”, “he saw” and “he awarded”. Otherwise a good senior who was ready to help anyone but
was still admitted in the Adjt Nuclear Cell for his nuclear blast recovery.
CDT SC KERE (A): The senior most citizen of the squadron .This Ajeet was a good hockey player and good in PT. He
was known for his doubts which were never cleared regarding riding at night and blasting of understudy.
CDT SHREYANSH SINGH (A): This body builder was always busy with his own affairs. He will be remembered for his
sloth like nature and big muscles. A good senior who was loved by all unequivocally.
CDT YAJUSH ARYA (AF): This flyboy was never seen in squadron after his 4th term. He was often found counseling
his understudy. He was always seen with oil or ice packs at night. The most badass bhaand of his course on whose
shoulders squadron socials ran even in his 5th term.
CDT M PATHAK (A): A Golfie by roots and Panther by heart whose contribution in public speaking and hockey will be
remembered by all. Always seen asking for WLL in squadron. He was a good senior who cared for all.
CDT CAS VIGNESH (AF) : This flyboy was the most sincere senior who had problems with Hindi but had mastery
over English. He was always immersed in English beats. Being a Public Speaking IC, he gave his heart and soul for it
and got the squadron a good position.

131
Novices Cross Country

Display by PTT during Tattoo Show

Athletics Meet Hockey Match

132
CRADLE OF MILITARY LEADERSHIP

You might also like