President Draupadi Murmu oversaw the Passing Out Parade of the 158th Regular Course and 141st Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. This event marks a significant and historic day for the Indian Army and women in the country as the first batch of female cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) are becoming commissioned officers. Nine female cadets from the NDA’s inaugural women’s batch will join the Indian Army, with five others joining the Indian Air Force from the Air Force Academy at Dundigal in Hyderabad.
The IMA Passing Out Parade witnessed the entry of nine female cadets from the NDA’s first women’s batch into the Indian Army as officers. Additionally, five female cadets from the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad will be commissioned into the Indian Air Force. This development follows a significant Supreme Court ruling in June 2022 that opened the doors for women to join the armed forces training institute, paving the way for increased female participation in the military.
President Murmu led the parade at the IMA, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the ceremony at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal. A total of 515 cadets are graduating from the IMA this year, including 34 foreign cadets from 16 countries. Among them are the nine courageous women cadets from the NDA’s first female batch, who have successfully completed rigorous training and are prepared to serve the nation.
In the 217th course of the Indian Air Force, 231 flight cadets from the Flying and Ground Duty branches are finishing their pre-commissioning training, comprising 194 male and 37 female cadets. Notably, five of these female cadets belong to the NDA’s first women’s batch. This accomplishment underscores the capability of women to excel in demanding military training and contribute effectively alongside their male counterparts in the armed forces.
The joint graduation parade concluded with impressive aerial displays featuring Sukhoi fighter jets, the Sarang helicopter display team, and the renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, captivating the audience with their performances.
