A historic moment is about to come in the passing out parade of the 148th course of the National Defense Academy (NDA). For the first time, 17 female cadets will march on the parade ground along with more than 300 male cadets. After this training, these female cadets will serve in the Navy and Air Force.
In August 2021, the Supreme Court directed to allow women to appear in the entrance exams of NDA and Naval Academy. This decision has proved to be a significant step towards gender equality in the Indian Armed Forces. As a result of this decision, for the first time, women cadets are graduating from the tri-service training institute.
At present, the participation of women in the Indian Armed Forces is increasing significantly. Women officers are now participating in frontline operations and operating fighter aircraft. The important role played by officers like Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh in the recently concluded ‘Operation Sindoor’ is a testimony to this change.
In the last decade, several women empowerment initiatives have been launched by the government, including ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, ‘Ujjwala Yojana’, and ‘Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana’. The entry of women in NDA is an extension of this approach, according to which women are being given leadership and decision-making responsibilities.
These first women cadets to graduate from NDA represent the future of the Indian Armed Forces. They are not only an inspiration to their families and communities, but will also contribute to making the Indian Army more inclusive and modern. This change is in line with the long-standing belief in Indian tradition of honouring Nari as ‘Shakti’, which is now being implemented in practical terms.