The National Defence Academy (NDA) celebrated the Convocation Ceremony of its 146th course on May 23, 2024, at the Habibullah Hall, NDA, Pune. A total of 205 cadets were awarded prestigious Bachelor’s degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University, marking a significant milestone in their military careers.

Prof. (Dr.) Sat Prakash Bansal, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Himachal Pradesh and Vice Chancellor (Additional Charge) of Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The distribution of degrees was as follows: 82 cadets received degrees in the Science stream, 84 in Computer Science, and 39 in the Arts stream. Additionally, 17 cadets from friendly foreign countries were also conferred degrees. The B.Tech stream comprised 132 Navy and Air Force cadets, who received ‘three years course completion’ certificates. These cadets will receive their degrees after completing one year of pre-commissioning training at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, and the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, respectively.

During the ceremony, the academic report of the Spring Term 2024 was presented. In his convocation address, Prof. Bansal congratulated the cadets on successfully completing their rigorous training at one of the world’s premier military academies. He also expressed gratitude to the parents for their support and encouragement.

The convocation ceremony was preceded by a Cadets’ Activity Display at Bombay Stadium, showcasing exceptional skills acquired during military training. The display featured awe-inspiring acts of combat and adventure, attended by Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande, senior dignitaries, proud parents, and the cadets of the 146th Course.

The event began with a standing salute and flag hoisting, followed by a remarkable equestrian display that left the audience spellbound. Cadets demonstrated Jointmanship with a synchronized Tri-Services Attack Demo, followed by an audacious skydiving display by the elite Akash Ganga Team. The cadets also showcased their physical training standards through a series of synchronized exercises and gymnastic maneuvers. The event concluded with a captivating musical ride and a tableau formation bidding farewell to the 146th Course by the High Horse Team.

The convocation ceremony and the preceding activities highlighted the NDA’s commitment to excellence and the comprehensive training that prepares cadets for their future roles in the Indian Armed Forces.

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