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Historical Milestones The National Defence Academy was initially conceptualised as a national war memorial in commemoration of the gallantry and sacrifice of Indian troops in World War II. It was finally re-designated as an inter-services training establishment to prepare young men before joining their respective Service Academies for the Air Force, Navy and Army. Today, the NDA is one of the foremost inter-services training establishments in the world. The following are some of the milestones in the history of the National Defence Academy: Laying The Foundation Inauguration Of The Academy First Passing Out Parade Lord And Lady Mountbatten Visit The Academy Dr. Rajendra At The Academy The First NDA Contingent Dr. Zakir Hussain At The Review Parade First Graduation Ceremony Nda Receives The Presidents Colours Queen Elizabeth At The NDA Golden Jubilee Celebrations 6th October 1949 Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid down the foundation stone of the National Defence Academy. 16th January 1955 Inauguration of the Academy by Sh. Morarji Desai 5th June 1955 The first Passing Out Parade at the Academy reviewed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. 19th March 1956 The First Sea Lord and Lady Mountbatten made a visit to the Academy. 27th September 1957 The first President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad visited the Academy and made a speech at the Cadet's Mess. 26th January 1960 The first NDA contingent performed at the Republic Day Parade. 9th December 1967 Dr. Zakhir Hussain, the President of India addressed the cadets of the Academy in the capacity of Reviewing Officer. 31st August 1973 The first graduation ceremony was held after forming an affiliation with the Jawaharlal Nehru University. 16th December 1978 The NDA received the Presidents Colours in recognition of thirty years of service rendered by the alumni in the cause of the nation. 21st November 1983 Queen Elizabeth II of England visited the Academy. 19th February 1999 The National Defence Academy celebrated its Golden Jubilee Function. 2000 Powered gliders-the Super Dimona were inducted into the NDA for training of Air Force cadets, replacing the erstwhile gliders.