Family Footsteps: Sons of Servicemen Lead at NDA 147th POP

Latest News: The National Defence Academy’s 147th course convocation & Passing our Parade ceremonies highlighted the deep-rooted military traditions within so many families. 359 cadets passed out of the NDA, with 222 cadets conferred bachelor’s degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Cadets from the BTech stream—comprising 131 cadets of the Indian Navy and Air Force—received three-year course completion certificates. They will be awarded BTech degrees upon completing an additional year of training at their respective pre-commissioning academies: the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala and the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. (NDA 147th POP)

Academic topper’s trace their Military roots

In an inspiring saga to familial legacy, Army Cadet Gurkirat Singh, who topped the arts stream overcame four consecutive rejections from the Services Selection Board (SSB) to fulfil his father’s dream of becoming an Army officer. Gurkirat’s father, a retired Lance Naik, had always envisioned his son donning an officer’s uniform. Speaking on Friday after the convocation ceremony, an elated Gurkirat said, “When you fulfil your parents’ dream, it’s a different level of happiness. Today, I am feeling that.”

Educated at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in Mohali, Gurkirat drew inspiration from his father’s life. “Despite failing to clear the SSB thrice, my father believed in my abilities. His constant motivation enabled me to join the academy. Today, I am proud to stand here with him,” he added.

Legacy of Service

Army Cadet Yuvraj Singh Chauhan, who topped the science stream and was awarded the President’s Silver Medal, is the son of a serving Army officer in the Corps of Engineers. A product of Army Public School in Lucknow, Yuvraj cleared the SSB interview on his first attempt. “My father has been my motivation. Witnessing his disciplined life and service since childhood, I aspire to follow in his footsteps and excel in the Corps of Engineers,” Yuvraj said. “The academy has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership and teamwork that will stay with me forever.”

Naval Cadet Siddhant Jakhar, who topped the BTech stream, is the son of an Indian Air Force veteran. Educated at Air Force Bal Bharati School in New Delhi, Siddhant will complete his engineering training at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala before commissioning into the Indian Navy.

“My father retired as a sergeant from the Air Force. Inspired by him, I aim to serve as an officer in the Indian Navy. It’s a proud moment for me and my parents,” Siddhant remarked. Reflecting on his time at the NDA, he added, “The journey has been eventful, full of highs and lows. The support from my coursemates through thick and thin has been invaluable.”

Army Cadet Shashi Shekhar Singh, who topped the computer science stream, comes from a family with humble beginnings. His father is a farmer, and his uncle serves with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. A former student of Sainik School Ghorakhal, Uttarakhand, Shashi credited his family and schoolmates for motivating him to join the NDA.

“It was a memorable journey at the academy, where I learned various military aspects during the training,” he said. His father, Chandrashekhar Singh, attending the NDA for the first time, expressed immense pride. “He has always been brilliant academically, but his dream was to join the Army. We supported his ambition, and today he has made us proud. Seeing his transformation at the academy is a joy,” he said. (NDA 147th POP)

Army life over IIT Degree

Army Cadet Ankit Chaudhary, recipient of the President’s Gold Medal and commander of the passing-out parade, made a pivotal decision to join the NDA over the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Driven by gratitude for the Army’s care of his late father, who succumbed to liver cancer three years after retiring from army service, Ankit felt compelled to serve.

“I feel obligated to serve in the Army because it took care of my ailing father through the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS),” Ankit shared. Despite clearing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, he faced a scheduling conflict between the JEE Advanced exam and the SSB interview for the NDA.

“It was a career-defining moment. I listened to my inner feelings and sacrificed my IIT dream. Joining the academy to serve felt like the right choice,” he said. On being selected to command the parade, Ankit added, “It’s a significant honour I will cherish for a lifetime. I prepared thoroughly and was confident in leading the contingent.”

From Manipur to Military Honour

Cadet Jodha Thongam, the son of a school van driver from Manipur, was awarded the Bronze Medal. Receiving the honour from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, during the passing-out parade, Jodha credited his father’s support. “My father backed my career ambitions wholeheartedly. Because of his encouragement, I was able to achieve this milestone,” he said. Jodha’s father, Rosoraj, attended the event with his wife and daughter, overwhelmed by pride and congratulatory messages from family and friends.

“He has made us extremely proud,” Rosoraj said. “The NDA has transformed him completely. Winning the Bronze Medal is a tremendous achievement. Everyone back home is celebrating his success. To be recognised as his father is the biggest honour.” Jodha completed his schooling at Sainik School Imphal before being selected for the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun. (NDA 147th POP)

“As I stand here today, I feel both proud and humbled,” said Cadet Gurkirat Singh. “This is not just my achievement but a fulfillment of my father’s dream.”

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