National Defence Academy freshers get taste of endurance

The newly inducted cadets of the National Defence Academy (NDA) went trekking to the historical Sinhagad Fort on Sunday.

The training team of NDA conducts such treks every six months for first-term cadets in an effort to expose them to the rough terrain.

A total of 375 cadets and 15 officers participated in the trek, aimed at inculcating a sense of adventure among the cadets of the 126th course. The cadets also got an insight into the historic significance of the fort.

“A cadet’s life is about hardships and dealing with adversities of nature. The endurance trek exposes first-term cadets to adverse conditions of the environment and serves as a starter for the upcoming challenges they have to face in life,” said an accompanying Squadron Leader, who wished to remain anonymous.

DNA was on Sunday witness to the enthusiasm and the adrenaline rush that the first-timers felt. “We were excited once we were informed about the trek. After successfully completing the trek, there is a sense of pride that we can feel within us,” remarked cadet Ugyeni Tshering.

The thrill got the better of the unfavourable conditions as the rain and low temperature hardly affected the cadets.

The cadets were divided into different squadrons, with names like ‘Ninja’ and ‘Alpha’. “We are experiencing this for the first time. It was also helpful in instilling the squadron spirit among us,” said cadet Ishant Shringhal.