The National Defence Academy (NDA) provides young officers every year to the country who take up the responsibility of protecting the nation with courage, discipline, and leadership. The 149th Passing Out Parade (POP) was even more glorious this time as Cadet Adjutant Deepak Kandpal of Alpha Squadron received the President’s Gold Medal, awarded to the best cadet of the entire course. A taxi driver’s Son won NDA Top President’s Gold Medal in 149th POP and created a history.
Deepak’s achievement is not just an award but the story of a journey of struggle, simplicity, and hard work that took him from a small village in Uttarakhand to the highest honor of NDA. Today he become an inspiration for lakhs of defence aspirants.
President’s Gold Medal: Highest Honor for Excellence
The NDA President’s Gold Medal is awarded to a cadet who displays excellence in all dimensions like academic performance, physical stamina and military leadership. The honor was presented to Deepak at the 149th POP by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who attended the parade as the chief guest. As Cadet Adjutant of Alpha Squadron, Deepak not only showed amazing leadership but also played an exemplary role in parades, discipline, acumen and team command. His three years continuous rigorous and excellent training helped him to achieve this prestigious medal.
From Uttarakhand to NDA: An inspiring journey of struggle and determination
Ordinary family, Extraordinary dream
Deepak comes from Garud town in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. He dreamed big inspite of his limited resources in life. His father is a taxi driver. His family lives in a rented house. Economic challenges did not broke them but his father who is a taxi driver made him more stronger. He studied at St. Adams Public School, Garuda at Garuda, till class 8 and from Garuda to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Gagrigole at Gagrigole from class 9 to 12. He had topped the district in the his board examination.
Studying in Gagrigole and then move to Delhi University and preparing for NDA simultaneously.
After school, Deepak did his graduation from Delhi University. During this time, he also continued his preparation for NDA. In the year 2022, he was selected in NDA and a new chapter of his life began.
Three years of rigorous training and sustained excellence at NDA
Excellent performance in every field
NDA training is not a routine. It is combination of rigorous morning PT, long academic sessions, drills, obstacle courses, weapons training and leadership. But Deepak converted himself in every challenge into an opportunity. In three years he has given :-
- Excellent performance in every field
- Excellence in physical fitness
- Tenacity in command and leadership
- Idealism in military discipline
- Set a great example in all areas.
- Becoming Cadet Adjutant proves that he was not only an excellent cadet but also a capable leader.
Highlights of NDA Passing Out Parade 2025
A Batch of Excellence and Diversity
A total of 328 cadets completed training in 149th POP training.
- 216 cadets get graduation degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University including :-
- 72 – Science
- 92 – Computer Science
- 52 – Arts
- 18 foreign cadets were also awarded degrees
Admiral Tripathi said in his address that:
This is the second batch of NDA in which women cadets are passing out. They stand shoulder to shoulder with our male cadets. The entry of women in Indian Defence Forces after the Supreme Court decision in 2021 has set a new tradition. This batch is a powerful testament to that change. He also said that:
“Awards do not define your abilities. Your duty defines you.”
Deepak Kandpal’s success gives strong message to young candidates
Deepak Kandpal’s success gives strong message to young candidates that circumstances, creates the path. Big achievements come from small towns. Hard work, discipline,, and consistency are the biggest weapons. Limited resources do not limit your potential. His story is an inspiration for every youth who is preparing for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Naval Academy or any military exam.
Conclusion: A story that will inspire new generations
The journey of Cadet Adjutant Deepak Kandpal is a shining example for youths of today that dream big but get ready to full fill at any cost. His success is an example that if there is a will there is way “determination and dedication towards the goal, no challenge is too big”. The 149th Passing Out Parade was not just a display, but it was an inspiration that taught the future generations that hard work, courage, and commitment to a goal can take you to great heights.
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