On November 30, 2023, history will be made as the female cadets from the National Defence Academy will participate in the passing-out parade alongside their male counterparts. The Indian Cambridge School, an all-girls boarding school, is thrilled about this momentous occasion. Let’s discover how The ICS empowers girls to pursue their ambition of becoming officers in The Indian Armed Forces.
The Indian Cambridge School, an all girls boarding school in Dalanwala, Dehradun, is excited about the 145th NDA Passing Out Parade on November 30, 2023. It will be the very first-time women cadets who are currently in their second year will be a part of the marching contingent, which will be reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
A monumental stride towards inclusivity, opening the doors of the National Defence Academy (NDA) for women cadets, broke down the barriers that were once thought insurmountable. The Indian Army opened the artillery division roles to women, and we at The Indian Cambridge School fully support this decision.
We have always championed the empowerment of girls, and it is our sincere belief that when they are given the right tools and opportunities, they will achieve greatness. In celebration of this upcoming parade, we decided to write a post about how The Indian Cambridge School and our rigorous NDA training for students in classes 11 and 12 are equipping the girls to take on the challenges of NDA exams.
Preparing girls for NDA success at The Indian Cambridge School, an all girls boarding school in Dehradun
At The ICS, we are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where young minds flourish. Beyond academics, we also place a huge emphasis on fostering confident individuals equipped to overcome life’s challenges with determination and resilience.
Keeping in line with the school philosophy, we partnered with Doon Indian Defence Academy (DIDA), a renowned Dehradun institute that boasts a faculty of ex-servicemen with more than 30 years of experience in coaching for NDA, CDS, SSB, AFCAT, and NDA Foundation courses. Our tailored curriculum for classes 11 and 12 integrates academic excellence with rigorous NDA exam preparations.
We are striving not only to impart knowledge but also to instill the necessary skills and mindset for success in the NDA entrance exams and subsequent interviews. We focus on physical fitness, mental resilience, effective intelligence, social adaptability, and a sense of responsibility. The goal is that we empower them not just academically but holistically, preparing them to lead with confidence and purpose, which are essential for success in not only NDA but for their future as well.
The initial academic session for NDA aspirants kicked off back in April of this year with a three-day workshop on social and emotional skills to empower girls. The workshop prioritised improving their social and emotional skills through topics such as self-awareness, self-esteem, empathy, communication, and problem-solving. It was heartening to see our girls leave all their apprehensions behind and share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas during the interactive sessions.
NDA Training at The ICS I: Blending Learning with Adventure
NDA coaching at The Indian Cambridge School, an all girls boarding school, is not about just sitting in a classroom and staring at screens. Over the last couple of months, we organised several trekking trips for our young NDA aspirants.
Remember the saying, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step?’ With help from DIDA, we went on a trek to Maldevta, Dehradun, a scenic 1.8-kilometer trail with a majestic view of a waterfall amidst the beautiful hills. Perfect for a beginner, it was a natural and inspiring excursion that helped our students build their stamina and endurance.
Up next was a cleanup task that was aimed at instilling civic duty and care for the environment in each student. We picked up the garbage on the trail and near the waterfall and restored the sanctity and heritage of such a beautiful place. The message was loud and clear: Let’s keep our tourism neat and clean. Let’s respect Mother Nature.
NDA Training at The ICS II: Excursion to the Indian Military Academy (IMA)
As a continuation of our NDA training, our girl cadets recently embarked on a motivational excursion to the prestigious Indian Military Academy, one of the oldest military academies in India, located in Dehradun.
This visit wasn’t merely a tour but a gateway to resilience, discipline, and the embodiment of courage. Our girls witnessed firsthand the rigorous training campus and the unbreakable spirit of the future leaders of our nation. An immersive experience, this trip further strengthened their resolve to conquer NDA exams and become a part of the nation’s esteemed armed forces. It was a journey that made them dream bigger and continue to strive for excellence. It was an experience that will stay with them forever.
On the way back, we made a stop at yet another landmark in Dehradun, the Forest Research Institute (FRI). In their museum and other interactive rooms, our girls explored the diverse ecosystem, deepening their appreciation for nature and conservation and blending education with nature—a holistic learning experience that instilled environmental consciousness.
The NDA opening the doors for women is a monumental step towards equality. As Dehradun’s best all girls boarding school, we are helping our students achieve their dreams of joining the prestigious ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. Join us in our pursuit of creating a generation of young women ready to embrace challenges and make a difference in the world. Together, let’s embark on a transformative journey at The ICS, where we empower dreams to soar high!