JAI HIND! BHARAT MATA KI JAI! Don’t you get goosebumps when you hear these slogans in the movies or stories told to you by your elders? Have you ever observed your family, all choked with emotions after hearing the national anthem not once but every time? I never realized the reason till I asked my grandfather who, a Naval officer, spoke with so much honour and respect about our soldiers which made me realize that we live in a better country and sleep peacefully because of the service given by our brave soldiers of all the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force are the ones who look out for any peril appearing at our borders. Many of these officers start their training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) before they go on to their respective service academy for further pre-commission training. The NDA is located at Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, and we should be proud as Indians as it was the first tri-service academy in the world.
The academy insignia has the crest consisting of two swords, an anchor, and an eagle, symbolizing the three fields in which Cadets receive training at the National Defence Academy. The background is maroon, which is a symbol of chivalry and sacrifice.
Applicants to the NDA are selected via a written exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) every year, followed by an extensive interview by the Services Selection Board covering general aptitude, psychological testing, team skills, physical and social skills along with medical tests. They offer graduate programs in Science, Computer Science, Social Science and Engineering so that each cadet becomes mentally, morally and physically sound, cognitively empowered prudent leaders, able to skillfully handle men and material in the context of ever-evolving battlefield scenarios.
I sincerely hope that many candidates including myself take pride in joining the Armed forces and dedicate their lives to the safety of our countrymen. I earnestly pray that students just don’t wear the military camouflage T-shirt but adorn that attire and feel the pulse when they hear “HOW'S THE JOSH?”.
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