<p class="title rtejustify">President Ram Nath Kovind today described the armed forces as a "rare breed of human beings" and said they are a symbol of excellence and dedication for the entire country.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">The president was here to review the passing out parade of the 134th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla near Pune.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">"The armed forces are not merely about doing a job they are about answering a calling. And this is a calling for a rare breed of human beings," he said during the event.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">Delighted to review the passing out parade, Kovind said as the supreme commander of the armed forces, this was a moment of immense satisfaction for him.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">"The armed forces are a symbol of excellence and dedication for the entire country. This parade comprises cadets from all parts of India and from a variety of communities. Its harmony speaks for our essential unity as much as for our pluralism as a society," he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">The president said a soldier or an officer in uniform, irrespective of whether he or she is from the Army, the Navy or the Air Force, evokes admiration and trust everywhere in the country.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">"If a fellow citizen sees a member of the armed forces at a railway station or a market or at any other place, there is an immediate emotion of pride and reassurance," he noted.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">Commending their unparalleled and unquestioning service to the nation in times of war and peace -- on the border or within the country -- during a natural calamity, Kovind said "the armed forces represent the best of the Indian ethos".</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">Talking about the NDA, the president called it a crucible of valour and bravery, and complimented it for inculcating a resolve and spirit of national service in generations of cadets and officers.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">It is because of this heritage that in December 1978 (the then) president Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy conferred the president's colours on the NDA, he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">"Today, the cadets have become role models for our young people, guarantors of our peace and prosperity, and guardians of our nation," he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">The president expressed confidence that the graduating cadets would prove worthy successors to the unflinching and fearless officers who have preceded them.</p>
<p class="title rtejustify">President Ram Nath Kovind today described the armed forces as a "rare breed of human beings" and said they are a symbol of excellence and dedication for the entire country.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">The president was here to review the passing out parade of the 134th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla near Pune.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">"The armed forces are not merely about doing a job they are about answering a calling. And this is a calling for a rare breed of human beings," he said during the event.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">Delighted to review the passing out parade, Kovind said as the supreme commander of the armed forces, this was a moment of immense satisfaction for him.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">"The armed forces are a symbol of excellence and dedication for the entire country. This parade comprises cadets from all parts of India and from a variety of communities. Its harmony speaks for our essential unity as much as for our pluralism as a society," he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">The president said a soldier or an officer in uniform, irrespective of whether he or she is from the Army, the Navy or the Air Force, evokes admiration and trust everywhere in the country.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">"If a fellow citizen sees a member of the armed forces at a railway station or a market or at any other place, there is an immediate emotion of pride and reassurance," he noted.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">Commending their unparalleled and unquestioning service to the nation in times of war and peace -- on the border or within the country -- during a natural calamity, Kovind said "the armed forces represent the best of the Indian ethos".</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">Talking about the NDA, the president called it a crucible of valour and bravery, and complimented it for inculcating a resolve and spirit of national service in generations of cadets and officers.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">It is because of this heritage that in December 1978 (the then) president Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy conferred the president's colours on the NDA, he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">"Today, the cadets have become role models for our young people, guarantors of our peace and prosperity, and guardians of our nation," he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">The president expressed confidence that the graduating cadets would prove worthy successors to the unflinching and fearless officers who have preceded them.</p>