Pune, Oct 29 : As National Defence Academy opens its gates for women, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Friday said they should be welcomed with the same sense of fairplay and professionalism that Indian armed forces are known for.
“As we open the portals of National Defence Academy to women cadets I expect you all to welcome them with the same sense of fair play and professionalism that the Indian armed forces are known for the world over,” the Army Chief said at the passing out parade of the 141st course of NDA.
The Army Chief said boots on ground were as relevant today as forty years ago. He also called upon the cadets to stay updated with technology, and to develop interests and hobbies that suit their temperament.
“Be imaginative and think outside the box… Armed forces have always been at the forefront of all challenges… We cannot fail,” he said.
He also said NDA is a cradle for leadership and jointmanship for the armed forces of the nation and it is rooted in tri-service ethos.
“A little over 42 years back, when I stood as a cadet at the same drill square as you stand today, little I could have imagined that I would be reviewing this parade. From here on, you will step into the respective career service academies for more focused military training. You will don different uniforms, but always remember that no single service by itself can fight and win modern wars,” he added.
In an interim order on August 18, the Supreme Court allowed female candidates to appear for the entrance exam of National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy, for gaining commission as officers in defence services.
Going by the order of the Supreme Court, the Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the exams, opened applications for ‘unmarried women candidates’ on September 24. The exams will be held on November 14.
At present, women are recruited in the services as short service commission officers.
In another landmark ruling in February 2020, the Supreme Court had ordered that women officers in the Army be granted the option of taking a permanent commission at par with their male counterparts.
UNI
