80th NDA-THE SILVER JUBILEE REUNION

At the stroke of 1 am on 06 Jun 2016, the band stopped the music and the motley crowd settled around the sprawling tables inside the air conditioned hall of Novotel, Pune. Amongst the motley crowd, the men folk were dressed in a similar maroon tee-shirt. The motley character of the gathering was more attributable to the women folk as they held on to their men who were once again transported from a butterfly to a pupa. The wee hours of the morning began to roll as anecdotes flowed out and laughter went all around. Each face had a distinct cherubic look and the souls were at an eternal harmony. Welcome, the Silver Jubilee of the 80^th Course of the National Defence Academy had finally come to an end.

In the 1981 classic, CHARIOTS OF FIRE, Master of Caius, exhorted to the 1919 Cambridge University Freshman Class, “ I take the war list and I run down it, name after name, which I cannot read, and which we who are older than you cannot hear without emotion; names which will be only names to you, the new College, but which to us summon up face after face, full of honesty and goodness, zeal and vigor, and intellectual promise; the flower of a generation, the glory of England; and they died for England and all that England stands for. And now by tragic necessity their dreams have become yours. Let me exhort you: examine yourselves. Let each of you discover where your true chance of greatness lies. For their sakes, for the sake of your college and your country, seize this chance, rejoice in it, and let no power or persuasion deter you in your task.” These words can stand true for any institution of great repute.         

Words cannot bind humans but can exhort them to achieve greatness in whatever they do. National Defence Academy- The Maker of Men is a unique abode to young boys who enter its magnificent portals and turn out into Military leaders. The bond and camaraderie developed in the NDA has proven its worth over and over again. The values imbibed into the young men goes a long way as each one of them fans out into his Military Uniform to serve the Nation. Each NDA course is selected from a vast pool of boys who qualify after a grueling examination process combining various stages. The word COURSEMATES finds its true meaning as joint services ethos get ingrained into each NDA cadet during their military training. Cadets stay close together during various stages of training and inside the sprawling Campus of the NDA 18 Squadrons from Alpha to Romeo (A to R) house the cadets from the various courses running their respective training.        

This year it was the turn for the 80^th Course to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of its Passing Out from the NDA. The bonhomie needs a trigger and in 2015 itself, the ignited minds got around to work for the grand event. Ideas generated pace as each day inched closer towards the D-day. Soon enough the frenzy bugles were sounded and social media erupted with photographs of the yore and video messages scorched across screens. The theme “Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main” (I am coming) raised its banter and became the slogan for the Silver Jubilee celebrations. One after the other, the Cadets of yesteryears moved and conglomerated at Pune. They were not alone, they came with their better halves and children. The extravaganza began on the 03^rd of Jun 2016 as people met after 25 years and lesser. Pune again converted into a hot town as divas of the 80^th Course looked sizzling alongside their starry eyed husbands.

          

The visits to the NDA were coordinated to bring back the fond memories and gala events rocked the gang of 80^th NDA. Walking on the majestic pathways along with their better halves pumped up the adrenalin of the ex-Cadets. They reminisced their stay at the Academy. The stories of great traditions were told with renewed vigor and there was laughter all around. The glorious Military ceremony at The Hut of Remembrance (HoR) united the souls as winds of heaven danced around the gathering of somber humanity. Gentle but firm salutes were presented at the HoR to honor the ultimate sacrifice of the departed ex-NDAs.          

A much awaited visit to the respective Squadrons brought back the young man out of the SJ Course. Everyone did what he could do the best during his days at the Squadron. A movie ran right in front of the eyes as each one told his part of the story to his wide eyed family. The gala and laughter found abundance as the mystical Squadron environment added to the spirit of fervor and spirit-de-corps. It was one big family re-union as the squadron opened up its gates to children and ladies of the young men who had spent countless hours to shine the building and its floors. Academy was once again live and teary eyed boys moved about its premises remembering those glorious years that they had spent together.          

The gala SJ celebrations were completed with two amazing parties, one each by the NDA Pool Side and one at Novotel, Pune. These parties added fuel to the SJ’s fire. Raw talent matched experienced artists and the outcome was pure nostalgia. It seemed that the night would never end. No one was willing to move back and head home. The departure was sounded, but only after a pledge was taken to re-unite again and soon.

 As the plane rolled down the tarmac, I sat back and imagined what would I not be able to do if I am sent back to NDA again? The sheer nostalgia built up as the mind raced to scramble for the answers. In the end, I just concluded, even if it’s a risk at this age- it is worth the risk.  The words of Master of Caius came back,” Let me exhort you: examine yourselves. Let each of you discover where your true chance of greatness lies. For their sakes, for the sake of your college and your country, seize this chance, rejoice in it, and let no power or persuasion deter you in your task.” Would you take me back, once more, National Defence Academy- I would like to be re-born for you yet again!!!