Naval chief urges cadets to be morally upright

Against the backdrop of recent series of allegations of sexual harassment in the Indian Navy, Chief Admiral DK Joshi urged the passing out cadets of National Defence Academy (NDA) to maintain high levels of morality and hold a strong character while serving in the armed forces.

Admiral Joshi was present at the NDA to review the passing out parade of the 124th course.

Delivering a speech after reviewing the parade, Joshi said, “While joining the armed forces, courage should be the hallmark of service and leadership should be guided by the moral compass. As an officer, one should be morally upright.” The Indian Navy is grappling with its biggest image problem following two alleged sex scandals. Wife of Lieutenant Commander posted in Kochi-headquartered Southern Naval Command has filed a case against her husband accusing him and other officers of forcing her into wife swapping. In another case, a MBA graduate wife of Lieutenant Commander accused her husband of forcing her to have sex with his colleagues.

Stressing on inculcating leadership qualities, Admiral Joshi said, “The cadets have the responsibility of keeping up the legendary reputation of the armed forces. As officers, these cadets must have leadership qualities and the courage of conviction. Never ask any subordinate to do any task which you yourself cannot perform.”