NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY : GOLDEN JUBILEE
The National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla is one of the first institutions in the world to impart combined training to officer cadets of the three Services. The concept and genesis of NDA dates back to the period before Independence when a Committee of eminent persons was entrusted with the evolution of a scheme to implement the intra-services training concept. The scheme took shape, and after a great deal of search and discussion the site of World War II Combined Warfare School in the vicinity of Khadakwasla lake near Pune was selected for the new academy.
In pursuance of this Scheme in 1946, the Indian Military Academy was initially renamed the Armed Forces Academy and split into two wings, the "Inter Services Wing" and the "Military Wing". The first batch of 190 cadets of the Army, Navy and Air Force commenced combined training on 16 January 1949 at Dehradun, in the Inter Services Wing (later renamed the "Joint Services Wing" or JSW).
The foundation stone of the new institution at Khadakwasla was laid by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 6 October 1949. The Joint Services Wing at Dehradun was subsequently relocated at Khadakwasla and came to be known as the "National Defence Academy".
The NDA has completed fifty years of eventful existence in January 1999 and the 101st Course has joined the Academy. Till date, close to 25000 alumni of the Academy have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of Indian as well as a number of friendly countries after having imbibed academic and military training of the highest standards in a unique Inter-Services environment. On the rolls of its alumni are the winners of India's highest awards for gallantry as well as distinguished services in peace and war.
The NDA has the distinction of producing ten alumni so far who have reached the pinnacle of Military achievement by becoming Chiefs of their respective service.
As we approach the threshold of the third millennium, the NDA continues in its march towards nation building, confident that in the years to come, it will draw the finest of India's youth who will pass through the portals of this "Cradle of Leadership", perpetuating through their gallantry, dedication and sacrifice, the Academy's motto "Seva Parmo Dharma".
Date of Issue: 19.2.1999