AFVOA Newletter August 2020

Section 5 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 02 / 2020 Page 162 of 237 corporate cultured youngster into a soldier. Galwan or Naku La would not have been possible without a focused conditioning of the mind and body. Lady cadets are the unique lot who have proved, beyond doubt, their mettle and capabilities to stand with the same poise and steel nerve alongside men. 2015 Republic Day Parade is an example of their prowess. OTA received an order in November 2014 to train a lady contingent that would lead the parade in 2015. President Barack Obama was the Chief Guest. We had to marshal a contingent of 144 lady officers from the units and train them in one month. Republic Day marching contingents take months to train and practice. The Academy had 30 effective days to train officers who had forgotten drill leave alone marching in front of the world. Fortunately, we found a stretch of Chennai road wide and long enough to practice and get a feel of the Rajpath. Capt Divya who was posted as a platoon commander led the contingent and rest is history. Three lady officers received the coveted Sword of Honour . Capt Divya (Air Defence) was the first woman to be awarded the Sword and Gold medal in 2010. Ever since, there have been 2 lady officers who won the Sword of Honour at the POP. Neeru Sambyal (w/o of Rifn Pavinder Singh), Gauri Prasad Mahadik (w/o of late Col Mahadik), Nidhi Mishra (wife of Nk MK Dubey), Aahana (wife of Maj Arvind Bazala), Sangita Mall (wife of Rfn Shishir Mall) were veer naris who earned their commission and inspired millions. All of them were in their 30s (age) and all broke the myth of physical constraint of a woman by qualifying on all mandatory tests and exercises with ease. Determination knows no bounds. The popularity of the Academy with the neighbours can be gauged by countries sending their men and women for training. Gentlemen and Lady cadets from SAARC nations, immediate neighbours of India and Pacific littorals of Fiji, Papua New Guinea have graduated from OTA. POP is unique to all military training establishments. POP at OTA starts at 4 A.M for cadets at the ‘Fort’. It meant a sleepless night for most and a parade and ceremonies till 8 A.M. It was ensured that the cadets eat a banana or biscuits at the fort before start of the parade-just to ensure none fall during the parade. Mr Anthony, our former Defence Minister should have taken the cue from the Academies before reviewing a parade himself. OTA would be incomplete without the mention of Roshni, the Academy song. Major General N Viswanathan, the 11 th Commandant, composed the song and gave the music to it. Bharat ke hum jawan, parvat ke hain samaan…’ is sung with reverence and gusto on selected important functions such as awards ceremony prior to POP . The music and lyrics reverberate in the heart when sung. The song is a poetic justice to a resolute and glorious institution.