‘Our gender never came in the way’: NDA’s first women cadets batch reflects on training rigour, bonds, transcending boundaries

Speaking to The Indian Express on Friday, Division Cadet Captain Ishita Sharma, who was pursuing Economics Honours from Delhi University before coming to the NDA, said, “I believe that induction of women in the NDA and the passing out of the first batch means a lot for women and women empowerment. Here, We have always been given equal chances, equal opportunities and our gender has never come in the way. On the other hand, when women are seen having leadership roles, getting permanent commission, it would lead to aspiration among young women to join the NDA and the armed forces.”

Asked about the changes made in the standards when the first batch of women cadets joined, Cadet Ishita Sharma, who is an Army cadet said, “We all understand that there are physiological differences between men and women. So, in line with other academies, changes in the standards were made here too. For example, the physical training standards are different. But the idea was to have equity rather than equality in these standards and to challenge every cadet in their own way.”

Asked about the highlights of their training, Ishita said, “I believe that our 148th course and female cadets have transcended many boundaries. In our course, 80 percent are academic torchies who have been awarded for their academic performances and CGPA, many have merit cards in the PT and drill, 70 per cent of us have appointments which is a very good number.” Cadet appointments at NDA are leadership roles assigned to senior cadets, responsible for maintaining discipline, overseeing some activities, and leading their peers within the academy.

Battalion Cadet Captain Ritul, who had completed her first year of engineering before she joined the NDA, said, “We knew that the training would be tough and the training would groom me physically and emotionally. Before we joined, the administrative arrangements were already in place and there was separate accommodation for female cadets. Different arrangements were in place. There were moments which were no less than a roller coaster ride, like our first haircut. I had joined as a young individual and now we have been groomed to lead and handle any situation. Physical training, drill, games, cross country races and other aspects of training have groomed us and made us mentally tough.”

Ritul, who is an Air Force cadet, said, “Our course successfully completed three most challenging camps — Camp Rovers, Camp Torna and Camp Green Horn — with flying colours. Out of our group of 17, 13 have gotten cadet appointments in the sixth term which is a big achievement. When you hold the accountability of having cadet appointments it helps you become a better and sensitive leader. In our sixth term, we were integrated with our main squadrons. After this, right from the morning muster till the lights out, all the activities were done with the squadron. Before this, all the female cadets were living in a separate squadron. But in our sixth term, integration happened and all the female cadets were allotted to their respective squadrons.”

When asked about what more needs to be done for women cadets, Ritul said, “It is an ongoing process and the development will continue. Academy has changed so much since we have come here. When our course joined, the Academy had not seen female cadets in the 75 years of journey. Our journey here has the potential of inspiring women asserting that nothing is impossible. Women can achieve all the standards and nothing as such is gender specific. In the military everything will be seen in terms of merit.”

One major change within: Growth, grit and leadership

The Indian Express asked the cadets on the one major change they underwent on a personal level reflecting back on the three years of training. Cadet Ishita Sharma said, “The academy helped me change my attitude and the way I look at things. The will to never give up is inculcated here. We will never giveup , we will always hold each other’s hands. If there is a task, everyone will complete it no matter what — be it running, walking or crawling.”

Cadet Ritul said, “I would say physical stamina for me. With gradual training over these three years, we all have improved a lot. Many had not even run two kilometres and later we were running 14 kilometres at a stretch. And that has also helped us become emotionally resilient.”

Cadet Harsimran Kaur said, “The training also includes mannerisms, communication skills. You are given small leadership roles and that is how we learn to take initiatives and be responsible for a group.” Cadet Ishita Sangwan said, “As we go into senior terms we not only get an opportunity to learn but also to guide and groom the juniors. That responsibility always ensures that you lead by example and remain accountable.

Cadet Shreeti Daksh said, “The academy has taught us camaraderie. Starting from junior when we used to train together, we have been part of each other’s happiness and sadness, got to know about each other, their families, we sharted building a bond which was based on sharing.”