A Cadet's Life

Wondering what being in NDA is all about? Relive the life of Rahul Khanna as a cadet in the National Defence Academy by reading the excerpts from his diary.

• Term I
  
• Term II
  
• Term III
  
• Term IV
  
• Term V
  
• Term VI

Term I- Autumn Term
July 1997
Today was my first day at the NDA. The sheer size of the structure filled me with a sense of awe…a sea of faces swarmed before me as we were taken through the rules and regulations and code of conduct of the Academy.

My cabin is really neat…I have a whole room to myself, which is quite a luxury after a long day.

I explored the campus where I saw the Manoj Pandey Block, the extensive Parade Ground, the Sudan Block, and the NDA museum. I think I liked Habibullah Hall best, maybe because it resembles an aircraft.

It seems incredible that I should be a part of an institute that has trained so many great people. What is expected of me here? Will I live up to the expectations of the Academy and my family? Was the boy glaring at me across the dinner table a mean bully? Too many questions and too few answers… food here is nice though.

September 1997
The first feelings of apprehension are long gone. The interim has been an endless session of physical training, drill and classes. But it seems like a second nature to me now. Class is fun (most of the time). The "bully across the table" is now my best buddy Kabir.

October 1997
There is so much to do here. The Academy has endless facilities for swimming, hockey, football, volleyball, cricket, boxing, tennis and squash- the list is endless. I did rock climbing, Para sailing and trekking as part of our club activities. I have also taken up journalism and dramatics, to exercise my writing skills.

The other day was our first attempt at horse riding (here known as Equitation). Initially I kept falling off the horse but the energy of the horse is infectious. Anyhow, it's an exciting sport. Drill seemed "not so exciting" at first but the forthcoming inter-squadron drill competition has definitely generated some enthusiasm.

(…A few days later) Ok, so our squadron didn't win the competition. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable experience.

Term II- Spring Term
December 1997
Vacation at home was very good break, but it is great to be back to NDA.

January 1998
I have just returned from Camp Greenhorn. We were exposed to outdoor camp life, map reading and navigation among other activities. But I think for the first time we really understood the feeling behind the words- camaraderie and espirit de corps. The harsh life of the camp has brought us together in a bond, that I think is going to last a lifetime…

May 1998
…The schedule is getting demanding. It's a killer combination of academics and outdoor activities. The good news is- we are all together, so it's really not so bad (poor Kabir is paranoid about Chemistry). I am looking forward to the vacation after the exams.

Term III-Autumn Term
July 1998
I am now a senior at the Academy. I met some of the new cadets. It was good to see them brimming with enthusiasm.

This year I'm learning ballroom dancing, which is easy after the drill practice we have been through… I am also giving a hand at photography. Maybe I can take pictures mid-air when I go Para gliding.

Term IV-Spring Term
Undated
Just returned from Camp Rover. They weren't lying when they said it is the world's toughest camp. We learned everything from survival techniques to cross country movement to camp layout… I think this is one time that we had an opportunity to apply the skills we acquired at NDA. All the physical training and drills suddenly made a lot of sense.

February 1999
NDA celebrates its Golden Jubilee on 19th Feb. I am participating in the mass PT display…I hope it goes off well.

April 1999
It's that time of the year again. Exams are around the corner and I have to sit down and study. Tomorrow is the physics paper… hope I can crack it. Well…I am kind of looking forward to going home next week.

Term V-Autumn Term
July 1999
With only two semesters to go…it seems odd that I'm not going to be here next year. But I'm going to make the most of my last year here and give my best…I still continue my club activities, especially Para gliding.

September 1999
We have spent the last few days visiting the Army, Naval and Air Force Bases. It was interesting to observe how these places actually function. Everybody is debating which service subject is best. I sure am glad that I opted for the Air Force. There is absolutely no doubt about that in my mind.

Term VI
February 2000
Training under the Air Force Training team was an awesome experience. We were taught the basics of aero-dynamics, gliding, meteorology airframes and armaments. We were also given instructions in flying.

March 2000
Academic activity is increasing at a feverish pace. It is the last year and I want to do my best. There is little time for anything else but work now… My heart sinks when I think about leaving NDA; but I won't think about that now.

Undated
The NDA Ball and Parents' Dinner were the most enjoyable evenings this entire week. (I fortunately managed to get a partner for the dance). Tomorrow is Passing Out Parade.

Undated
Even after three years at NDA, Passing Out Parade never ceases to amaze me. The only word for it is - spectacular. The day was one of mixed emotions. Even though I am absolutely thrilled about joining the Air Force Academy, I feel an undeniable sadness about leaving NDA. But the friendships formed, the memories of the last three years and what I have learned here, will stay with me as I pilot into the future.

Click here to view our slide show about some milestones in the history of NDA