National Defence Academy

The Saga of 75 Glorious Years. 

About the coffee table book that was released on 16 Jan on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the Academy 

In observance of the 75 Glorious Years of the NDA, this memoir unfolds a kaleidoscopic tour of the Academy through the incisive images recounting the rich traditions. In the vibrant pages of the SAGA OF 75 GLORIOUS YEARS, we embark upon a journey that transcends the ordinary, delving into the timeless episodes to which each one of us has been associated with. The captivating narrative and striking visuals engage the readers to witness the process of making of the promising leaders.

Each chapter promises to tell a story less ordinary, accomplished with relentless pursuit of excellence, capturing the indomitable spirit of thousands of cadets, their instructors from all three services and the dynamic life at the National Defence Academy. The sweeping developments, unprecedented milestones and momentous events commemorating the journey of sculpting military leaders showcase the institution's effectiveness. With an intent to present a testament to the unwavering commitment of the cadets and the officers, this book is bound to offer ripples of visual experience of the spirit of adventure and Jointmanship.

The book chronicles a narrative of exemplary mettle and enduring virtues of the promising youth that resonates with dedication, discipline and precision instilled in cadets to ensure their personal and professional growth; the very essence of the iconic institution. The Saga lets a reader envisage what it means to be a cadet in the prestigious National Defence Academy. 

My take

I've the honour to have contributed a few anecdotes - drawn from my cadet's days at the Academy - for the book!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 4, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm. Earlier, had got up at 2, to clear my urinary bladder and ended up in a situation when sleep was hard to come by. So, I'd washed up, recited a part of my prayers before turning of to sleep. The Vishnu sahasranaama sthothram was recited, while going through the chores after 4. 

We kicked off at a quarter to 7 and encountered heavy rain on the Guruvayur - Thrissur stretch. But what took the cake was when we were caught in a cloudburst, with water gushing from all sides making the road disappear. Drove the Chevy gingerly through engine level water and hoping like mad that it wouldn't sputter to a stop!

Lost one and a half hours, consequent to that, at Edappalli.

Picked up Padmakumar and Rema from Thrippunithura by a quarter past 11. Meanwhile Lekha had fed us chocolates and raw vegetables which hugely substituted for breakfast. Had lunch at Ettumanoor, with Joshma looking after us.

Dropped Padmakumar and Rema at Pidavoor, drove past Raj Nivas and handed over the Chevy to Mohan of the Boss Workshop at Kottarakkara for minor repairs and overall check up post-driving through the deluge.

Kannan, in his autorickshaw, dropped us at Anjanam around a half past 5. We were, finally, with Mini, Ammu, Mithun and his parents.