The 38^th NDA Course boasts of a unique distinction and its members are held in awe and respect by the subordinates, peers and the superiors. This is the Course that immediately on being commissioned as young officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, moved straight into battlefields and bore the brunt of fighting while leading from the front in the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Many laid down their lives and many more were critically wounded within a few days and weeks of the breaking out of war. It is the only course which boasts of two of its members being honoured by the two highest gallantry awards – the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra. These were both posthumously awarded to 2Lt Arun Khetrapal (PVC-posthumous) and Col NJ Nair, KC (AC-posthumous).

          This was the Course that was born to battle. This was the course of young, cheerful and fun loving youngsters who metamorphosed on the battlefields to combat leaders. Nine officers of the Course made extreme sacrifice and covered themselves with glory while others rose to become Generals, Air Marshals, Admirals and Corporate leaders. Members of this course led the charge in all theatres, whether on Land, the Sea or Air. The brave hearts of this course being blooded in during the Indo-Pak War of 1971, have continued to cover themselves with glory, taking part in all military operations ever since and paying steep costs in blood and lives. The tremendous combat and operational experiences gained by its members is reflected in the sheer number of two and three star ranks that its members have achieved as also very high positions held in the Corporate World by those who chose to extend their reach beyond the military domain. Today, the 38^th NDA Course boasts of 22 Army Generals, 6 Air Marshals and 3 Navy Admirals. In addition, a large number of its members are proving their mettle in the Corporate domain – the Air Deccan, the revolutionary low cost aviation idea, remains the brainchild of the team of Gopinath, Samuel, Rawal & Povaiah, all alumni of the 38^th NDA Course. For the members of this unique Course, the wheel has turned a full circle as one of its members, Air Marshal TS Randhawa, VM, has risen to become the Commandant of the NDA – rocking the very cradle that nurtured its members 40 years ago.

The batch of the Battle Born including those in uniform; those who have shed it; as also the widows and kin of the fallen comrades, is getting together from all parts of the country and beyond, on 16 and 17 June in the somber environments of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune. Over the two days of the Reunion, its members would be unveiling the bust of Late Col NJ Nair, KC, AC; reinforcing their bonding; paying homage to the martyrs at the Hut of Remembrance; and would collectively renew their pledge in pursuit of excellence and service to the nation.