NDA cadet carries mate on back during race, wins praise

Pune, February 22

A senior cadet at the National Defence Academy here has won praise from his senior officers after he carried a junior cadet on his back to ensure that the latter completed an inter-squadron cross-country race.

A six-term cadet, Chirag Arora, carried fourth-term cadet Devesh Joshi on his back for over two km so that the latter, in distress due to the gruelling nature of the 13.8 km race, could complete the run. The race was held on February 10, NDA officials said.

According to NDA officials, there are 18 squadrons in the academy and both the cadets are from Echo squadron. “A cross-country run is a part of the academics here and all cadets, except those from the first term, have to participate,” the officer explained.

The officer said the emphasis was as much on completing the run as it was on winning.

Major Surendra Poonia, a special forces veteran, tweeted a picture of Arora carrying Joshi on his back.

“Soldiers Spirit & Camaraderie! NDA cadet, who carried his injured buddy 2.5 km on his back so that he is able to finish the run and not left behind. GOC2 Corps, Lt General Kler went from Ambala to NDA Pune to give a pat to Cadet. He also presented his Raybans to him,” Poonia tweeted. — PTI