Good Afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I extend a very warm welcome to all of you on behalf of the National Defence Academy. I have been meeting many of you time and again on several occasions, especially during the pre-POP press conferences. The present conference is in the context of a very special occasion indeed. I am sure you are aware that NDA is turning 60 on 16 Jan 2009. This epochal moment is being celebrated for three days, i,e, from 6 to 8 Dec 2008. Every institution celebrates such events in its own way. NDA is celebrating it with a mixture of adventure, intellectual, cultural and artistic activities based on our training ethos. In fact, the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations as all of you know have already been kick started with the ‘Desert Safari’ expedition “Thar”, which had 08 offrs and 10 cadets covered 6000kms along the Indo-Pakistan border in Rajasthan. They touched places like Longewala (famous for the battle of Longewala during the 1971 Indo Pak war), Pokharan ranges (Air Force Air to Ground Firing Range), Mahajan field ranges (for Tank, Indian Combat Vehicles and Artiliery firing). They also touched the Border Security Force posts all along the International Border near Tanot and various other places. This expedition could be termed as an ‘experience of a life time’ for the young cadets of the Academy.
However, there are many more important events that have been planned to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of NDA. I would like to brief you on this, one by one.
Mountaineering Expedition. Three officers and 35 Cadets of NDA would undertake a mountaineering expedition to Mt Deo Tibba, in the Western Himalayan Region astride Beas Kund Valley in Himachal Pradesh from 17 May to 20 Jun 08. During the course of this expedition the team would climb Mt Deo Tibba, a peak of 6100m, in arduous climatic conditions. The officers and cadets have already undergone one month Basic Mountaineering Course at WHMI, Manali in Nov 07 and would undertake this challenging expedition as part of Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.
The expedition would not only assist the cadets to learn the nuances of mountaineering through an exposure to the terrain conditions obtaining in our Northern Borders; but will also go a long way in motivating them to undertake many a challenges in their post –commission career.
Sailing Expedition. INS Tarangini is a sail training ship based at Kochi and has been imparting sail training to cadets and young officers of the Navy. The ship had recently participated in the ‘Tall Ship’ event in USA in 2007. NDA has planned a sailing expedition starting Kochi to Seychelles onwards to Salalah and back to Kochi. The expedition would last 70 days and would cover almost 5000 nautical miles. The cadets participating in the voyage have been selected from all courses and squadrons and from all Services. These cadets shall undergo a training capsule of one week duration prior to setting sail for the voyage. The ship will depart Kochi on 20 Sep 08 with a crew of one officer and 30 cadets from NDA. In order to extend the opportunity to as many cadets as possible, a change around of crew is planned at Seychelles which approximately marks the midpoint of the voyage. One officer and 30 cadets replace the incumbent crew at Seychelles.
FLYING EXPEDITION NDA has planned a Super Dimona powered Glider, air expedition to some of the foreign countries. One Super Dimona of the NDA is planned to be flown from NDA, to Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia till Singapore, and back via the same route, as part of the Diamond jubilee of the National Defence Academy. The expedition is planned during Nov 2008, for this we have approached Air HQ to provide assistance for diplomatic clearance. Three Super Dimona, one to each finishing academy i.e. Naval Academy at Goa (INS Mandovi), Air Force Academy, Dundigal and to Indian Military Academy, Dehradun to commemorate the occasion. All the four aircrafts will be launched on 01 Nov 2008. Demonstration flights are planned at destinations for extensive media coverage.
Cadets along with officers will be flying from NDA to Naval Academy at Goa, INS Mandovi, Air Force Academy, Dundigal and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. These cadets of 116 & 117 courses will be given the basic flying training for the expedition. Similarly, a set of two Cadets will participate, along with two Officers, on the flight to Singapore via Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia.
ON THE SPOT PAINTING EXPEDITION NDA is organizing an “on the spot painting competition” at the National level at various places/schools in order to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee and motivate students at a very young age. We want to conduct it not only in big cities but also in rural areas of the country so as to make children aware of NDA.
Equestrian NDA will host an International/National event in dressage and show jumping in association with the National Equestrian Association. This is likely in Jan ’09. Officers and Cadets from NDA will participate.
Blood and Organ Donation Camp during Sep ’08.
A cycling expedition is also being planned.
We will celebrate the reunion from 06 to 08 Dec 2008. The Chief Guest on this occasion will be the President of India accompanied by RM, RRM, senior officials of the MoD, CMs of all States and all three Service Chiefs. We will invite all Alumnus including Foreign Officers. The process of invitations has already been initiated. I would like to give you few highlights of the programmes planned in house:
(a) Guard of Honour to Chief Guest
(b) Wreath laying at Hut of Remembrance
(c) Release of Commemorative Stamps, First Day Cover and Diamond Jubilee Book and a Diamond Jubilee Journal
(d) Visit to Expo
(e) Variety Entertainment by cadets at Habibullah Hall
(f) SON-ET-LUMINERE (Sound and Light Show)
(g) Cultural Event with Prominent Artists
(h) Diamond Jubilee Ball
(j) Tattoo Show, which includes Equitation, PT Display, Karate, Continuity Drill and a Band Display
The events will carry on throughout the year. Three important events are planned for January ’09. The first at these is an NDA Half Marathon. This event will be run inside the NDA premises. It will showcase the Academy to all participants and spectators.
On 15-16 Jan ’09, we will have a Diamond Jubilee Seminar the theme of which will be ‘Leadership’ in keeping with our training ethos i.e. of Building Leaders.
On 16 Jan ’09, as we celebrate the NDA Day besides our usual events of oath taking and other events we will hold a Candle Light Homage ceremony in memory of our departed colleagues. This will be held at the Hut of Remembrance.
On 16 Jan ’09 evening, there will be a social function with local invitees culminating the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.
If we are to make this event one, a successful and memorable event, in the history of NDA, media will play an important role. I request your co-operation to provide wide publicity and make people aware about the National Defence Academy and the importance of National Security.
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