NDA Golden Jubilee - Of Memories and Camaraderie

It was the second week of July in 1973, when around 310 youngsters, aged 16 to 18 years, started congregating in National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla to form the 50th, Golden Jubilee course. It was a large batch with the 'Golden Jubilee' tag.

Those were heady days, India was still celebrating Bangladesh blitzkrieg, as barely 18 months had lapsed. For many of us, it was a second migration. These were public school products, especially Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Sainik and KG (Military) schools, leaving home, barely ten years old, in the aftermath of another war in 1965.

The first migration had initiated uniformed culture, the second one cemented it, with camaraderie and the magical glue of course spirit. Above all, 'no-snitching' (back-biting) culture was the norm. Those uninitiated, may like to see the movie, 'The Scent of Woman' and hear the soul stirring speech of the blind Colonel.

The 'Honour Code' was such that we chose to brave punishment, rather than snitch. At some stage, it became a challenge for seniors to break our will. Even our instructors like Major Hoshiar Singh, PVC pushed us extra hard with a 'ragada' (toughening) routine. But we withstood that and many more trials.

The lot that joined had alternative options, some had even qualified for Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), yet they chose a life of risk and adventure, despite multiple wars defining the beginning of our career journey. It was on a meagre salary of Rs 725 per month, as Second Lieutenant, a rank that has now vanished, that 277 were commissioned in June 1977. These included179 in the Army, 40 in the Navy and 58 in the Air Force.

Those were days with minimum perks, no free (really entitled) rations, which came much later. We survived on post-dated cheques and loans. We rode cycles as Lieutenants, graduating to two wheelers as Captains and Majors, often lugging family of four. The cars came only in higher ranks.

Promotions were tougher, we had an additional outdoor promotion exam, Part C and selection board for Lt Col, both have been discontinued, like 2nd Lt rank. Now elevation to Lt Col is automatic.

The course has the unique distinction of graduating on June 5 1976, without ceremonial passing out parade (POP) due to unprecedented, torrential downpour. While we drilled for a memorable parade, the weather God had other plans.

Our Naval Commandant made light of it, "When you have an Admiral at the helm, the Sea will come to you". Notwithstanding the wash out, the course has instituted iconic sculpture at drill square, to honour charger horse, an integral part of the parades.

The Army cadets can never forget the horrors of being caught up in stone-slide during mountain warfare, night march exercises at the Indian Military Academy (IMA). Many were bruised and few battered but we survived that nightmare. It hardened the course, to take on many challenges like terrorism in the Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab.

Lucky ones saw action in Siachen, Kargil, Sri Lanka, Maldives and United Nations' Peace-keeping operations. Many Brave hearts have made the supreme sacrifice in operations. Unfortunately, 48 'Goldies' have passed away, many due to ailments.

Yet, they are regularly remembered. Course mates have special claims and privileges. Once after retirement, I pleaded diminishing influence and no staff support, in response to a course-mate's call. The revert was prompt, "we didn't make you, an Army Commander, to hear this. Get on with my requirements."

The course produced a higher share of excellent sports blazers and blues. We had a large batch of foreign cadets from Afghanistan and Bhutan. We have a Governor to brighten our record. The course also boasted a Cabinet Minister in Afghanistan in the pre-Taliban regime and a Cabinet Secretary in Bhutan.

We had two reunions in our alma-mater, NDA, first on Silver Jubilee and on 40th anniversary in 2016. The academy has undergone radical transformation with new squadrons and girl cadets. As per the academy traditions, we look forward to welcoming the 150th course in July 2023 to extend the camaraderie.

In addition, course mates congregate regularly in many cities across India. Our course mate, large hearted hotelier, Col Manbeer Choudhary hosted two mega reunions, first in 2015 and recent one at Noor Mahal, Karnal, a very popular destination wedding and event hotel, built in Rajasthani architecture style.

This reunion, in the 50th year of our formation, was special, attended by more than 60 couples. Most notably, eight widows, who attended were accorded the honour to present a souvenir trophy to Manbeer and Binny, our hosts. Here is a reverent salute to Goldies course mates, who will be remembered till the last Goldie standing.

Lt General K.J.SINGH retired from the Indian Army.

Photographs NDA Passing Out archives