286 cadets pass out of NDA's 114th course

Pune, May 31 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony here today exhorted the cadets of the National Defence Academy (NDA) to lead a life of total involvement, commitment and sacrifice.

In his address at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the NDA, where he collapsed this morning due to exhaustion, the Defence Minister asked cadets to be scientists and technicians apart from being soldiers.

He said, ''In the present age of globalisation, all activities whether civilian or military, are profoundly influenced by developments in science and technology.'' ''Your major challenge should be to strike a harmonious balance between tackling the requirements of the future battlefield without losing sight of the need for humane man management,'' Mr Antony advised.

The Minister said, the Armed Forces had a long honourable history of dedicated service and commitment to the nation and society. The Government was aware of the tough service conditions and other problems in the Services. He said that the Government had taken measures to improve the quality of material life of the Defence personnel.

Calling NDA 'a truly unique institution', celebrating its diamond jubilee, the Minister said that the Academy can only provide the facilities but the cadets play an important role to build upon the foundations.

As many as 286 cadets of the 114th course successfully passed out of the NDA at a spectacular POP. A traditional fly past of SU-30, and Jaguars and Aerobatic display of Super Dimona Gliders delighted the spectators. The Defence Minister handed over awards including the President's gold medal to ACA YR Singh, silver medal to CDT Y N Hirekar, and bronze to BCC K Laur, the Overall Champion Squadron was won by ''Lima'' Squadron.

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