SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY

Pune, 7th December 2008

My dear Cadets,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am proud and delighted to be here on this momentous occasion of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the National Defence Academy. I consider it a privilege to address this august gathering. I convey my greetings to the alumni of the Academy on this very auspicious and happy occasion.

The National Defence Academy has completed six decades of dedicated service to the nation - an achievement of which you can be justifiably proud. I also understand that India's first astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma and the Olympic medalist Lt. Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore had also passed out of National Defence Academy. I am told that National Defence Academy has imparted training to over 30,000 officer cadets of the three Services. I am also happy to learn that the indomitable spirit and ethos of this great institution has remained intact over the years and it continues its relentless pursuit of excellence. It has taught the cadets, the core military values of integrity and selfless service. It has also ingrained in them the qualities of camaraderie and working together as a team, which is the need of the hour. It has groomed them in the tenets of 'Service Before Self'. This high quality basic training has enabled the alumni of the Academy to meet every challenge that has confronted them in the service of the nation. These challenges may be of various types, be they - external aggression or internal strife or natural calamities - the alumni have always come out with flying colours. Therefore, National Defence Academy can rightfully claim to be the 'Cradle of Military Leadership'.

Military leadership qualities of a high calibre are very important in the making of an effective soldier and officer. A true leader leads from the front and by example. This earns the loyalty of those who follow. Our Armed Forces have had a number of such Officers, who throughout their careers showed the way, through their sterling leadership. One can never forget the leadership provided by the late Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw, who led by example at a crucial time in the military history of our nation. His uncommon ability to motivate his men secured victory for us in 1971. The late Field Marshall also had another important quality - to give credit to men under his leadership to whom they were due. At the end of the 1971 War, instead of himself accepting the surrender, he gave the honor to his Commander in the East. These are qualities which I would like all cadets present here today, to remember and imbibe, as these will be the keys to a successful career.

We live in times of rapid change in technology and warfare. A time when the innovation of today can just as easily become outdated within weeks and months. I expect the officers and cadets of this great institution to hone their skills further to respond to the changing times, so that we can be rest assured that the security and integrity of India is in safe hands. The continuous work to improve training standards and to deal with new technologies is visible here. These changes augur well for the future of this institute.

The nature of warfare on the battlefield is constantly changing, as indeed are the various challenges to our national security. The recent attacks in Mumbai showed the ugly face of terrorists and their ideology that makes them ruthlessly kill innocent people. Those brave men of the defence forces, the security personnel of National Security Guard, firefighters and the Maharashtra police who fought valiantly and those among them who lost their lives deserve the nation's gratitude. We are committed to deal firmly with this threat. All people should resolve to come together. It is the need of the hour to stand united to fight against terrorism. I am confident that the nation can depend on the training, vigilance, commitment and dedication of all those who have passed through the portals of the National Defence Academy.

The National Defence Academy will, I am sure, constantly keep in view the rapidly changing security environment around us, while preparing future leaders for our Armed Forces. This is an onerous responsibility, which you have discharged with due diligence in the past and will, I am confident, continue to do so in the years ahead. My best wishes are with you.

On this historic day, it would be appropriate for all of you to reaffirm your commitment to the cause of excellence and dedication and to the highest standards of professionalism. I sincerely hope and pray for your success. I wish the Academy and those connected with it all the best in your endeavour to scale greater heights of excellence and commitment to our national goals and cherished values.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.