Pune

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Sunday said technology is accelerating the pace of change and will remain India’s “greatest asset” in the future. He was speaking at the Passing Out Parade of the NDA’s 149th course at Khadakwasla, where 1,250 cadets took part and 329 graduated.

Calling the cadets disciplined and ready to safeguard India’s peace and sovereignty, he said the NDA’s rigorous three-year training has shaped them into “warriors and capable leaders”. He also praised the second batch of women cadets graduating alongside men, urging all cadets to focus on duty over awards.

Admiral Tripathi presented the President’s Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals. The Bronze Medal went to DCC Siddhi Jain, who became the first woman cadet to receive the honour. Jain, also the best all-round air cadet, said the journey had been challenging but rewarding.

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Meanwhile, journalists at the event protested being seated far from the parade ground, saying it hampered coverage. The Pune Union of Working Journalists lodged a complaint after a senior officer allegedly asked dissatisfied reporters to “walk out.”