75 Years of NDA: Integrating Forces, Shaping Leaders for India's Defence

While the National Defence Academy (NDA) now celebrates its 75th year, its roots trace back to a pivotal decision made after the Second World War. Recognizing that no single service could singularly win a war, India's founding fathers and visionary leaders departed from the Western tradition of separate academies for each service. The proposed National War Academy emerged as the Inter Services Wing in January 1949, embodying the integration of the three services deeply embedded in NDA's essence.

Dr. Kishori Lal, a retired English professor and author of the book "National Defence Academy: Platinum Jubilee," emphasized this historical integration. His meticulous research spanning 30 years resulted in a comprehensive volume containing over 1,000 photographs, including rare captures. The book meticulously preserves archival records, historical data, achieved milestones, and landmark parades reviewed by eminent personalities.

Established as the Inter Services Wing (ISW) on January 1, 1949, in Clement Town, Dehradun, the academy later became the Joint Services Wing (JSW). While the first course commenced on January 9, 1949, the academy was shifted to the present Khadakwasla campus in 1954. The shift from Clement Town to Khadakwasla was an operation that was codenamed Badli, which means transfer.

The operation involved a monumental task of transferring not only service and civilian personnel but also families, mess staff, stables, training equipment, and even a massive Naval mast. “Originated in the place known for its legend of Dronacharya, Dehra Dun, the academy was shifted to the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji and brave general Tanaji Malusare, overseeing the Sinhagad Fort,” Dr Lal told Indian Express in an interview.

The Khadakwasla complex, sprawling over 6,780 acres, was chosen in 1947 for its space and potential to serve as a combined warfare school for allied troops. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid the academy's foundation stone on October 6, 1949, in Dehradun, even as operations continued. The foundation stone encapsulated Indian coins from that year and newspapers from around the country.

Inaugurated near Pune on January 16, 1955, by Morarji Desai, the NDA has operated out of Dehradun for six years and the Khadakwasla complex for 69 years. The army recognizes January 16, 1949, as the institution's foundation day.

Over its seven-and-half decades, the NDA has produced over 42,000 officers for the Indian armed forces and about 1,000 officers for friendly foreign countries. Alumni have received the nation’s highest gallantry awards, and the NDA holds the distinction of training chiefs of all three services from the same batch three times – in 1991, 2020, and 2023, contributing a total of 40 service chiefs to India.