Pune: Journalists Stage Unprecedented Walkout at NDA Parade After ‘Insulting’ Treatment; PUWJ Flags Issue to CDS and Service Chiefs
Pune, 30th November 2025: In a deeply troubling episode that has triggered outrage across the media fraternity, accredited journalists were allegedly subjected to humiliation and obstructed from performing their duty during the 149th Passing Out Parade (POP) at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, on Sunday.
The incident culminated in an unprecedented walkout by media personnel — the first such protest during an NDA ceremonial event in the academy’s 75-year history.
Over the past few years, reporters covering military events at NDA have complained of deteriorating coordination and disrespectful interactions with officers tasked with media facilitation. However, journalists say today’s treatment was the “boiling point” — an example of how media has been pushed to the margins, both literally and metaphorically.
Historically, journalists invited to cover the POP — after thorough security clearances — are seated near the shamiana of the Reviewing Officer, enabling clear visuals of the parade and key moments including the address by the chief guest. This time, the seating was suddenly shifted to a far-off corner, with barricades blocking sightlines. Cameras were unable to capture cadets marching past the Saluting Dias.
Journalists argued that this effectively prevented them from providing fair and accurate public coverage of one of India’s most prestigious military events — marking the commissioning of future officers of the Armed Forces.
Private Camera Crew Allowed Access, Media Restrained
Adding to the discontent, reporters observed that a privately hired videography agency — reportedly chosen by NDA — was granted close access to the parade square, even allowed to move near the marching contingents. Meanwhile, professional video journalists representing national and regional media outlets were kept at bay, forced to operate blind from a distance.
When objections were raised, instead of corrective action or even courteous engagement, things escalated.
A senior media professional present at the venue recounted how the officer on duty, Major Pratap Singh Choudhary, responded rudely to legitimate concerns. In a tone described as condescending and aggressive, he allegedly told journalists:
“You will have to stand where I say as I am the in-charge here. You must walk out if you are not happy with this arrangement. I’m not afraid of anyone.”
The statement further provoked tensions, leading to heated verbal arguments witnessed by several personnel and invitees.
Shockingly, even after the Defence PRO for Pune intervened, the situation was not resolved. According to journalists, the officer ignored the PRO completely and continued to behave in an unbecoming manner.
As attempts to escalate the issue to senior officers progressed, the response reportedly became even more dismissive. The second in-command allegedly remarked, “Let journalists do whatever they want to do. We are not bothered.”
That comment, journalists say, made it abundantly clear that neither media responsibilities nor national public interest mattered to the officers handling the parade.
Respecting protocol and to avoid further disruption to the cadets’ moment of pride, journalists chose not to protest inside the venue. Instead, they walked out silently and waited in the parking area for nearly two hours until the parade concluded.
No senior authority approached them afterward.
No attempt was made to pacify the situation.
Not even a conversation to understand what went wrong.
‘Flop Show’? Media Counters False Narrative
Adding insult to injury, one of the officers reportedly mocked media coverage of the previous POP — the historic passing out of the first batch of women cadets of NDA — alleging it was a “flop show.”
Journalists swiftly countered with facts:
• Extensive national press and digital coverage
• Reports across leading newspapers and TV channels
• Massive social media visibility across the world
• Widespread national pride and applause
By estimate, the publicity value alone of media coverage of the women cadets’ POP has been assessed to be over ₹100 crore if evaluated on commercial parameters.
Yet, media does it free of cost, out of national interest — because NDA is not a brand to be sold, but an institution that stands for the future of the Armed Forces.
Unlike private videography firms, journalists are not paid to attend — they participate so that the public can witness India’s defence pride.
A senior defence correspondent who has covered several NDA parades told Punekar News, “The NDA is currently dealing with a staff shortage, and officers are often burdened with multiple responsibilities. In such situations, mismanagement occurs. Instead of acknowledging their lapses, some officers try to shift the blame onto journalists. I would not like to say more, as they may feel their morale is being affected.”
Another journalist added, “NDA is a tri-services institution. Officers here come from different services and return to their respective units after their tenure. In a regular unit, the sense of ‘izzat’ is stronger — officers are more mindful of maintaining the unit’s reputation. That level of respect is missing here.”
A senior editor who has closely covered defence matters told Punekar News, “Recently, two cadets lost their lives at NDA. One reportedly died due to alleged ragging, as claimed by his parents, while another drowned in the swimming pool, a case widely seen as a result of negligence. Had such incidents occurred at any other institution, the media would have relentlessly questioned those in charge. Yet, because NDA is the cradle of India’s Armed Forces, the press exercised restraint — providing only limited coverage out of respect for the academy and its legacy.”
PUWJ Fires Strong Letter to CDS, Service Chiefs
Deeply disturbed by the behaviour and breakdown of professional protocol, the Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ) was alerted immediately. Taking a strong stand, PUWJ President Brijmohan Patil has issued formal communications to:
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
• Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan
• Chief of Army Staff Gen. Upendra Dwivedi
• Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi
• Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
Copies have also been marked to:
• Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth, GOC-in-C, Southern Command
• Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi, Commandant, NDA
• Defence PRO Ankush Chavan, Southern Command
The letter describes:
• “inappropriate treatment” of media
• Seating relocation that hindered coverage of the Reviewing Officer’s address
• Rude and unacceptable conduct by the officer on duty
• Ignoring of Defence PRO intervention
• Disrespect to media roles in national events
The Union has demanded:
- A formal inquiry
- Identification and accountability for those responsible
- Official protocols for future media facilitation
- Assurance of respectful cooperation with the press
The letter emphasizes that press freedom and access are essential to public transparency, especially when covering institutions of national significance such as NDA.
A Relationship Built on Trust — Now Undermined
For decades, the press and NDA have shared a respectful and mutually supportive relationship. Journalists have consistently showcased NDA’s achievements — celebrating cadets, instructors, traditions, and national service. And, tried to hide negative things as much as possible.
Today’s incident, therefore, is not a minor dispute but a serious breach of trust.
If media — invited formally by NDA — is treated with hostility and obstructed from documenting events meant for public pride, the questions are far bigger than a seating issue:
• Who decides what the public is allowed to see?
• Why are private agencies being prioritised over journalists?
• What message does this send about transparency and accountability?
• How do such actions reflect on institutions built on discipline and honour?
A Call for Course Correction
The journalistic community now awaits a response — not symbolic, but concrete.
• Will NDA acknowledge the failure?
• Will officers be counseled on respectful engagement?
• Will media protocols be restored and strengthened?
The courage, commitment, and discipline NDA instils in its cadets are admired nationwide. But today’s episode raises concerns not about cadets — but about those responsible for safeguarding NDA’s dignity and reputation.
Respect is a two-way street.
The Armed Forces depend on the public.
The public depends on the press for verified reports in the age of social media.
And the press must be able to do its job — independently, safely, and with dignity.
The onus is now on India’s top military leadership to restore confidence, rebuild communication, and ensure that what happened at NDA never happens again.
