Defence Minister Antony faints at NDA passing out parade near Pune

Khadakvasala (Pune, Maharashtra), May 31 : Defence Minister A K Antony had to be rushed to a military hospital after he fainted during the passing out parade ceremony at the National Defence Academy (NDA) on Saturday (May 31).

Sixty-eight-year-old Antony was in Pune to attend the passing out parade ceremony of the 114th batch of NDA students. He slumped on the stage moments after viewing the parade and giving away medals to deserving cadets.

According to reports, officials and security personnel helped him to his chair, but the minister fainted again after regaining consciousness momentarily.

Antony was then taken to the military hospital on the campus for treatment. Doctors said his condition was stable.

Antony was taking the salute of 312 cadets who passed out of India's prestigious army school, the National Defence Academy (NDA).

The NDA trains 12th class passed students for a commission in the three defence forces - Army, Navy and Air Force.

In 1954, the Joint Services Wing of the National Defence Academy moved from Dehradun to Khadakvasla in Pune, while the Military Wing, which stayed back was renamed as the Military College. In 1960, the Military College reverted to its original name of the Indian Military Academy. The NDA has a proud record of a large number of its officers being decorated for gallantry and has the distinction of training gentlemen cadets from many friendly foreign countries.

ANI