Pune: 38th NDA Course Golden Jubilee Reunion
Khadakwasla, 24th December 2022: The ‘Born to Battle’ course reunited with their course mates at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla from 22 to 24 December 2022 commencing with the lunch on 22 December at the Santosh Hall of NDA. This lunch served as the icebreaker. There was revelry, laughter and nostalgia all around as some Officers were meeting with their friends after a gap of decades.
The next day on 23 December began on a sombre note as all the participants gathered at the Hut of Remembrance to pay homage to their departed colleagues in a highly impressive and emotional ceremony. Wreaths were laid at the martyrs’ memorial on behalf of the entire course by representatives of each service. This was followed by paying homage to Colonel NJ Nair, recipient of Ashoka and Kirti Chakra. His bronze bust adorns the lobby of the Army Training Team at NDA.
Thereafter the coursemates shared thoughts at the Army Training Team Auditorium. At noon homage was paid at the Khetarpal Parade ground to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal who was decorated with Param Vir Chakra for exceptional valour during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Mukesh Khetarpal, Arun’s younger brother was in attendance and laid the wreath to pay homage to the gallant soldier.
Bonhomie and reminiscences resumed at the lunch at the Peacock Bay of NDA. The reunion dinner the same evening at cadets’ mess of NDA was an event to remember. The reunion concluded on 24 December. Fifty four Veterans, most of them with their spouses and six single ladies attended the reunion. Thus concluded the Reunion of the ‘Born to Battle’ Course, with everyone promising to return in greater numbers for the next reunion.
