National Defence Academy Marks 77 Years with Deep Symbolism
The National Defence Academy celebrates its 77th Raising Day today. This premier tri-services military training institution at Khadakwasla, Pune, stands as a testament to India's unified defense approach. The academy's identity rests on three powerful symbols that embody its core values of valour, sacrifice, and jointmanship.
Why January 16 Marks the Foundation Date
World War II taught military strategists a crucial lesson. No single service could win wars independently. India's visionary leadership decided to break from Western tradition. They moved away from separate academies for individual services.
The academy began as the Inter Services Wing on January 1, 1949. It started at Clement Town in Dehradun. Later, authorities renamed it the Joint Services Wing. The first course commenced on January 9, 1949.
In 1954, the academy shifted to its current Khadakwasla campus in Pune. Morarji Desai, then Chief Minister of Bombay State, inaugurated the NDA on January 16, 1955. This date became the official foundation day, though the academy traces its origins to 1949.
The Evolution of the NDA Crest
Dr Kishori Lal, a retired NDA English professor and author, explains the crest's development. "A tri-services institution naturally required a single crest," he states. "Designers considered an appropriate insignia depicting jointness spirit since 1946."
The crest evolved through various stages between 1949 and 1956. The initial ISW crest in January 1949 featured three service symbols superimposed on each other. Cross swords represented the Army. An anchor denoted the Navy. A Himalayan eagle symbolized the Air Force.
This design sat against steel grey and blood red backgrounds from the Indian Military Academy crest. The ISW began as part of the IMA.
When authorities laid the NDA foundation stone at Khadakwasla in October 1949, they issued a different insignia. It contained four symbols. A quill represented learning and knowledge. The sword, anchor, and eagle completed the design. These elements superimposed on a basic framework.
The crest underwent further changes before reaching its final design in 1956. Dr Lal describes the final version. "Two cross swords stand for Army chivalry and valour. The anchor denotes Navy stability and poise. The Himalayan eagle symbolizes Air Force zeal, always touching the sky with glory."
These symbols superimpose on each other. The Ashoka Capital mounts on top. The semicircular anchor end supports sword hilts. Both support the eagle. The three-headed Ashoka lion represents the Republic, with the fourth side invisible.
The Meaning Behind the Maroon Academy Colour
The NDA crest and motto rest on a distinctive maroon background. Dr Lal reveals this colour resulted from blending conventional service colours. Olive green represents the Army. Prussian blue stands for the Navy. Sky blue symbolizes the Air Force.
Designers added blood red to signify ultimate sacrifice and devotion to duty. This combined colour became known as the Academy Colour. The academy adopted it for all flags and various dresses in 1956.
"In this combined form," Dr Lal explains, "the four emblems no longer remain separate entities. They fuse into one organic whole."
Seva Parmo Dharma: The Guiding Motto
The NDA motto finds inspiration in multiple sources. By the time the ISW established, Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode's address had become foundational. He spoke at the Indian Military Academy's formal opening on December 10, 1932.
His words shaped military training institutions. "The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time."
This became known as the "Chetwode Motto." It guides the NDA's philosophical foundation.
The NDA's official motto draws from Bhagavad Gita teachings. The verse Karmanyevadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana emphasizes duty without attachment to results. This ideal of nishkam karma appeared in English as 'Service Before Self.'
During the 1950s, authorities adopted a corresponding Sanskrit version. Thus, 'Service Before Self' and 'Seva Parmo Dharma' became the academy's dual mottos. Dr Amaranath Jha, former Vice Chancellor of Allahabad and Banaras Hindu Universities, likely chose the Sanskrit motto. He served as Vice Chairman of the committee that established the NDA.
Evolving Ethos: Women Cadets Join the Tradition
In 2025, the NDA witnessed a historic milestone. The first batch of women cadets passed out alongside the second batch. They completed the 148th and 149th courses.
A former NDA commandant reflects on this development. "Women cadets at NDA reflect the academy's evolving ethos of inclusivity and equal opportunity. Courage, sacrifice, and service to the nation know no gender boundaries."
"Their training alongside men reinforces jointmanship and unity spirit. They inspire a new generation of officers who embody valour, discipline, and dedication. These values find expression in the maroon colour, crest, and motto."
This milestone demonstrates how academy traditions adapt while preserving core ideals. The principle of service before self remains unchanged, even as the institution evolves to include all who wish to serve the nation.
