Cadet who cracked entrance in 4th attempt, sugarcane farmer’s son among NDA’s academic toppers

These Naval and Air Force cadets will be conferred with the degrees once they complete a year’s training at their respective pre-commissioning training academies i.e. Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy (AFA) respectively. The passing out course comprised 19 cadets from friendly foreign countries.

Cadet Gurkirat Singh, who topped the Social Science stream hails from Amritsar in Punjab and has done his schooling from Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in Mohali. Son of an Army ex-serviceman, Gurkirat said, “The three years at the NDA were challenging and the time spent here taught me many life lessons. I have seen Army life closely and have always been inspired by my father. I came to the NDA in my fourth attempt. The one reason behind me not giving up after the first, second or even third attempt, was my father. The constant unconditional support and inspiration from my mother and father kept me going and helped me not lose hope against all odds.”

Gurkirat, who is an Army cadet and will soon join the Indian Military Academy for his pre-commissioning training said, “The training at the NDA was full of ups and downs. But the academy teaches you to stand strong amidst every possible situation.” His parents said they were proud of not just their son’s achievements but his perseverance.

Cadet Shashi Shekhar Singh, who topped the Computer Science stream, is alumnus of Sainik School Ghorakhal and hails from Gorakhpur.

“The academy teaches you right from basics like map reading, navigation, weapons training to the advanced tenets of warfare. But there is a lot more that we carry forward from here. The bonds we develop here, the friendships we form here. My father is a farmer. So while the inspiration to join the NDA came from my days in Sainik School, it was my parents’ sacrifices and support that has made it possible.”

Shashi Shekhar Singh’s father, Chandra Shekhar Singh, who is a sugarcane farmer, said, “I remember the day we dropped him at the Sainik School Ghorakhal in Class 6. Now we are here today, when he has topped the NDA. It is a feeling that I can not describe in words. My grandfather was in the Army and my brother is in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. I believe that my son’s determination to join the Armed forces is his own.”

Cadet Siddhanth Jakhar, who is a Naval cadet and topped the Engineering stream, is son of an Indian Air Force veteran. “I have done schooling from various Air Force Schools across the country. The tough journey of three years at the NDA was made only possible because of the seniors and instructors here. My coursemates stood by me through the thick and thin of the training. The bonds that I have made here are for the lifetime. The memories we have created here together, is the real treasure we all take along with us.”

Cadet Yuvraj Singh Chauhan who topped the Science Stream, is son of a serving Army officer. “The most memorable yet challenging moments for me came from the various camps that are organised for training. These camps teach us to keep conquering our limits and the time spent together doing so results in formation of lifelong bonds.” Cadet Chauhan said.