NEW DELHI: Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Sunday said technology is shaping the future of armed forces and is emerging as “our greatest asset in the future.” He was addressing the Passing Out Parade of the 149th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) at the Khetrapal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla, Pune.
A total of 328 cadets graduated from the NDA during the convocation ceremony on Saturday. The academy produces officers for the Army, Navy and Air Force. Of the graduating cadets, 216 received Bachelor’s degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University, including 72 in science, 92 in computer science and 52 in arts. Eighteen cadets from friendly foreign countries were also awarded degrees.
Another 112 cadets of the Navy and Air Force from the BTech stream were awarded their three year course completion certificates. They will receive their BTech degrees after completing the final year of training at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala and the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.
Admiral Tripathi, who reviewed the parade as the chief guest, said he sees the new generation of officers as disciplined and ready to safeguard national security along with that of partner nations.
“Technology is changing the speed of thoughts, technology is our greatest asset in the future,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
He quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi while stressing the importance of military strength in securing peace. “As our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, the path of peace also goes through power, and you embody that power. Today’s parade reaffirms the exemplary standards of this academy and the culmination of three years of rigorous training that have forged you into warriors and capable leaders,” he added.
The Navy chief praised the presence of women cadets in the parade. “This is the second women’s batch, these cadets passing today, they are standing shoulder to shoulder next to the men’s cadets. Focus on your duty, not on the award. My message to all is that an award does not define your capability, your duty defines you,” he said.
The first batch of women cadets passed out in May this year. Women were allowed to join the NDA in 2021 after a Supreme Court directive to the Union Public Service Commission.
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