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Forward, Indian soldier!
25 Jun, 2007 l 0000 hrs ISTlChitra Sanam/TIMES NEWS NETWORK
The passing out parade at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal brings to fore the changing trends in the defence services.
There can be few vocations more satisfying, noble, or honourable than yours. You have every reason to be proud of your achievement. With these words, Air Marshall FH Major congratulated flying officers who completed their one year long training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, recently. This year's parade also marks the platinum jubilee year of the Indian Air Force.
A few days prior to this passing out parade, the Ezhimala Naval Academy in Kannur, Kerala and The Indian Military Academy (IMA) at Dehra Dun, North India too proudly sent off their out-going cadets.
The IMA even boasts of having a batch of the largest commissioned officers (625) this year, who have joined the Indian Army, since its inception.
In hindsight, 75 years is a long winding journey that the country has traversed . But are the younger lots as enthusiastic today as before to join in the armed forces? Are the increasing numbers at the IMA a clear indicative of a new fad that has gripped youngsters to take up a career in the Defense? The intriguing fact is, this happens in an age of globalisation where India's booming economy is setting lucrative career trends that ostensibly most unlikely to point in the direction of armed force!
Armed adventure
Cadet Veeresh R says, "I don't think the numbers are indicative of a new trend. Instead, it reflects on the vacancies that need to be filled. There's a need for more personnel and that's why there are more who've graduated from the IMA this year."
A zest for adventure is probably the only major reason why youngsters embrace this profession. "Personally , I've always wanted an adventurous career, and I don't think any other profession promises that in such vast measures," admits cadet Jai Kumar.
Others say that ever since the Kargil war, the Government is taking initiatives to rope in more cadets. Even the Sixth Pay Commission has recommended a sharp hike in remuneration for Defense personnel and that could have inspired the youth to join the force in large numbers. But the Government has turned down the recommendation and even a plea for better pension packages.
A closer look shows that candidates from AP choose the IAF over other defence services. "There are very few from here, who've joined the Army. But interestingly, more show interest in the Air Force," points out cadet Praveen N.
No gender prejudices
Interestingly, more women are showing interest in joining the armed forces. Even they serve a shorter period in comparison to their male counterparts. "The numbers are gradually increasing. And what's interesting about the Air Force is that it trains its cadets without gender discrimination. We are trained at the same base along with our male counterparts," shares cadet Sarita Chowdhury.
Women, however, are roped in only for non-combat roles. They can't be fighter pilots, or be a part of the infantry, but they are chosen without any distinction in every other sphere, including the intelligence corps and other tough positions such as Air Defense Engineers and Air Traffic Controllers.
25 Jun, 2007 l 0000 hrs ISTlChitra Sanam/TIMES NEWS NETWORK
The passing out parade at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal brings to fore the changing trends in the defence services.
There can be few vocations more satisfying, noble, or honourable than yours. You have every reason to be proud of your achievement. With these words, Air Marshall FH Major congratulated flying officers who completed their one year long training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, recently. This year's parade also marks the platinum jubilee year of the Indian Air Force.
A few days prior to this passing out parade, the Ezhimala Naval Academy in Kannur, Kerala and The Indian Military Academy (IMA) at Dehra Dun, North India too proudly sent off their out-going cadets.
The IMA even boasts of having a batch of the largest commissioned officers (625) this year, who have joined the Indian Army, since its inception.
In hindsight, 75 years is a long winding journey that the country has traversed . But are the younger lots as enthusiastic today as before to join in the armed forces? Are the increasing numbers at the IMA a clear indicative of a new fad that has gripped youngsters to take up a career in the Defense? The intriguing fact is, this happens in an age of globalisation where India's booming economy is setting lucrative career trends that ostensibly most unlikely to point in the direction of armed force!
Armed adventure
Cadet Veeresh R says, "I don't think the numbers are indicative of a new trend. Instead, it reflects on the vacancies that need to be filled. There's a need for more personnel and that's why there are more who've graduated from the IMA this year."
A zest for adventure is probably the only major reason why youngsters embrace this profession. "Personally , I've always wanted an adventurous career, and I don't think any other profession promises that in such vast measures," admits cadet Jai Kumar.
Others say that ever since the Kargil war, the Government is taking initiatives to rope in more cadets. Even the Sixth Pay Commission has recommended a sharp hike in remuneration for Defense personnel and that could have inspired the youth to join the force in large numbers. But the Government has turned down the recommendation and even a plea for better pension packages.
A closer look shows that candidates from AP choose the IAF over other defence services. "There are very few from here, who've joined the Army. But interestingly, more show interest in the Air Force," points out cadet Praveen N.
No gender prejudices
Interestingly, more women are showing interest in joining the armed forces. Even they serve a shorter period in comparison to their male counterparts. "The numbers are gradually increasing. And what's interesting about the Air Force is that it trains its cadets without gender discrimination. We are trained at the same base along with our male counterparts," shares cadet Sarita Chowdhury.
Women, however, are roped in only for non-combat roles. They can't be fighter pilots, or be a part of the infantry, but they are chosen without any distinction in every other sphere, including the intelligence corps and other tough positions such as Air Defense Engineers and Air Traffic Controllers.
