Coronavirus Pune: NDA Passing Out Parade 2020 Can Be Cancelled this month?
Pune, May 2, 2020: The situation in Pune is getting worse as the Coronavirus cases are increasing rapidly, almost 100 new patients are being reported every day. Due to lockdown, there is a restriction on the movement of people and vehicle. Meanwhile, keeping in mind the rising COVID19 cases in the country, the nationwide lockdown has been extended till May 17.
Located in the Khadakwasla on the outskirt of Pune, the National Defence Academy (NDA) is the only organization in the country to provide military training to all the pre-commissioned officers of three armed forces ie Army, Navy and Air Force. NDA was formally inaugurated on 16 Jan 1955. It is one of the biggest and most modern tri-service academies in the world. The passing out parade (POP) ceremony organized by the academy is held twice a year in November and May.
The cadets completing the training at the academy show their military discipline and masterly display of drill movements on the Khetrapal parade ground. Hundreds of people including relatives and friends of the cadets, veterans, armed forces officers posted in Pune as well as other dignitaries come to witness the historic parade. The ceremony is a testament to the strength of the future military officer and is an excellent example of military tradition.
NDA is a tri-services military training institute. The training comprises of academics (including service subjects), outdoor training (games, drill and PT) and military-oriented field exercises. Given Coronavirus threat, all group training activities have been reduced to the minimum and being undertaken with due precaution. As NDA is a CAT A Military Training institute. All avoidable exposure to the persons from outside has been completely curtailed.
The cadets are continuing training at NDA and currently, NDA is a self-contained nearly quarantined establishment. This year, it seems that the passing out parade ceremony won’t happen at the end of this month. However, NDA authorities are yet to decide whether the POP will be held or not as usual in May end.
In March when the Coronavirus case had started increasing in Pune, the NDA authorities took many precautionary measures. All cadets and personnel were briefed, sensitized about the causes and symptoms of COVID19 by Commanding Officer of Military Hospital (MH). They were also advised to ensure personal hygiene at the individual level.
All large public gatherings, celebrations, mass activities, visit crowded places, guest lectures, movies were suspended. All educational tours and outdoor hikes were cancelled. The cadets are being closely monitored on for any symptoms of COVID-19 by their Divisional Officers, seniors, and civilian instructors.
The cadets have been refrained to visit crowded places. All non-essential mass gatherings have been suspended. All educational hikes, outdoor activities outside NDA has been stopped till further orders. The visitors are also not permitted (be it parents or general populace). Any person having symptoms of flu, cough, cold is advised to report immediately and are to be screened and treated separately. In case of doubt, they will be shifted to Command hospital.
