148th batch NDA toppers say family inspired them to reach the top

The four academic toppers — who are part of the landmark 148th course of the National Defence Academy in which the first batch of women cadets graduated on Thursday — all recounted how their inspiration to join the Armed services and excel at the NDA came from their own families.
For Division Cadet Captain Shreeti Daksh, who stood first in the Arts stream, the inspiration didn't just come from her father Wing Commander Yogesh Kumar Daksh (Retd) but also from her elder sister who is currently serving in the IAF as Flying Officer. 'It is a great feeling being able to carry forward the family legacy and following the footsteps of my father and elder sister to serve the country.' Shreeti said.
Wing Commander Yogesh Kumar Daksh (Retd) said, 'I am feeling very proud that my younger daughter has also made it into the Armed forces. She will soon be joining the Indian Military Academy. I hope and wish that she does great there too.' Shreeti, who had scored 97 per cent marks in Class 10 and 99 percent in Class 12 from Commerce stream with Maths background, is now set to join the Army after she completes her pre-commissioning training at the IMA.
Academy Cadet Captain Udayveer Singh Negi stood first in the BTech stream and is now set to lead the Passing Out Parade on Friday. He said that he will be the fourth generation of officers in his family. 'I come from a harcore defence family. I will be joining the Indian Navy. Both my grandfather and father have commanded the third Battalion of the Third Gorkha Rifles. I knew from the beginning that I would be joining the Armed forces.'
Udayveer's father, Colonel Aditya Singh Negi, who is a recipient of the prestigious Shaurya Chakra and the Sena Medal said, 'I don't think there can be a prouder moment for parents than seeing their son not only receive a medal but also lead the Passing Out Parade, which is on Friday. My son said he will be a fourth generation officer. So a lot of people ask us why he is joining the Navy and not the Army. So I say that we have relatives in the Army and Air Force but no one in the Navy till now. So he is filling that gap. This is a momentous day for us.'
Udayveer's mother Shibani Negi said, 'For our family, the military has been a way of life. My husband is serving in the Infantry and of his 25 years in service, he has been away from the family for more than 10. So people ask, how come you are sending your son to the Armed forces. But I feel it just comes to us. I feel really proud today.'
Battalion Cadet Captain Prince Kumar Singh Kushwah, who stood first in the Computer Science stream, said, 'My father is an ex-serviceman and retired as Naib Subedar from the Regiment of Artillery. My mother is a homemaker. I have two older sisters. My eldest is pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, while the other is currently in her first term at the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. She's also on her path to joining the Armed Forces. My years at the NDA have taught me many lessons. Because my father was in the Army, there was always a respect for the Armed forces in my mind. I decided to try for NDA when I came to Class 11. In Class 10, secured 97.6 per cent and in Class 12, 96 per cent. I had cleared IIT JEE and NEET both. But those were not the choices. I was sure that I wanted to join the NDA. There was no second thought.'
His father Naib Subedar Lal Chand Kushwah (Retd) said, 'This is a very proud moment and a memorable day for us. I want to thank the NDA from the bottom of our hearts. I am also happy that my son will be joining the Army.'
Cadet Lucky Kumar stood first in the science stream, who set to join the Air Force said, 'My father is a farmer and mother is a homemaker. My NDA alumnus cousin from the Foxtrot squadron used to tell me stories about the NDA and how it is one of the best military training institutions in the world. That inspired me to join the NDA. I learned a lot at the NDA. For example, I learned swimming at the academy. Before coming here, I had never played hockey in my life. By the end of the sixth term I was the captain of the hockey team and won a trophy.'
Sushant Kulkarni is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express in Pune with 12+ years of experience covering issues related to Crime, Defence, Internal Security and Courts. He has been associated with the Indian Express since July 2010.
Sushant has extensively reported on law and order issues of Pune and surrounding area, Cyber crime, narcotics trade and terrorism. His coverage in the Defence beat includes operational aspects of the three services, the defence research and development and issues related to key defence establishments. He has covered several sensitive cases in the courts at Pune.
Sushant is an avid photographer, plays harmonica and loves cooking. ... Read More

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