"MEDIA BOYCOTT OF 149TH COURSE NDA PASSING OUT PARADE(POP) ON 30 NOV 2025 , A SAD CHAPTER IN NDA's 75 YRS HISTORY " : MVI DEBATE

A sad and unfortunate happening/ event took place at NDA on 30 Nov 2025 when the invited media personnel boycotted the 149th course NDA POP . The details of the event are well covered by Punekar Times on link below:-

https://www.punekarnews.in/pune-journalists-stage-unprecedented-walkout-at-nda-parade-after-insulting-treatment-puwj-flags-issue-to-cds-and-service-chiefs/

EDITOR'S NOTE

MVI obtained some responses from a few Fauji veterans including those who are knowledgeable and experienced on role of media ,its relevance for armed forces and the nation . These responses could be a trigger for many more for an objective MVI debate on this subject .The MVI aim of this debate is to go down to the root causes for the media boycott and find possible solutions for future prevention of such boycotts at important military events .These well considered responses below should enable the reader to know or understand the main issues of both the parties ,ie The Media and NDA ( Armed forces) that led to the unfortunate media boycott . The responses of a few seasoned media persons / defence reporters received by MVI should enable projection of some points / aspects for better awareness of readers and should lead to better understanding for NDA to address the sad fallout of this unfortunate incident that adversely affected the usual six monthly impressive front page coverage of NDA POP for past 7 decades !

Col Vinay B Dalvi

Editor, MVI

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RANDOM RESPONSES FROM VETERANS

"Rather unprecedented and surely a first for a prestigious tri services academy like the National Defence Academy. It is disturbing to learn of this unsavory episode that occurred this morning during the passing out parade reviewed by the Chief of the Naval Staff - Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi."

"What a sad state of affairs, because of mismanagement by the Officials meant to deal with the press. Sad indeed."

"Let us not come to conclusions without hearing the other side. There must be an adequate explanation."

"Some how, we have a tendency to blame ourselves without even knowing about the entire incident."

"Is there any need to call journalists for a military event...?

"Hunger for Publicity" and desperation for PR "Photo Ops" is the root cause of such incidents.

Isn't it best for the military to keep away from the media

"It is very important to have media coverage. Also, armed forces need to be a part of the society, not stay in isolation.

Managing media within given parameters (restricted to training events and during provision of support in times of calamities or any other issues).

It is an important aspect of every organisation's role in media management.

The media can make an organisation's image multi fold better if managed well and can bring the same organisation to its knees if mismanaged. "

"It is not a youngster's cup of tea. The senior brass should have prioritised media management a part of the POP agenda and not just left the same to some young officers.

I managed and coordinated POP multiple times across Naval Academy and Floating Squadrons but never faced an issue from Press."

WHAT SEASONED DEFENCE REPORTERS SAY

Capt Prasoon Kumar ,Editor Fauji India

"This is a lapse on part of NDA administration. It only gives wrong message to the country and aspirants. The Comdt needs to pull up and ADGPI should step in.

Shashwat Gupta Ray ,ex Defence Reporter ,Sakal Times ,Editor GT Goa :

This is not the first time that the media was treated shabbily in NDA during POP.

This time it was intended humiliation.

Just before the PoP Media, ToI especially, published a massive negative news on NDA's training. Armed Forces always considers itself holier than thou.

So this was a knee-jerk reaction from a shaken establishment, not used to getting questioned over its performance.

I wish to add :

This is not the first time media was treated shabbily in NDA during POP. Media is made to sit in the open, no shamiyana, photographers are shooed away from the drill square, post-event press interaction by the chief guest doesn't happen any more.

It was stopped after Lt Gen Ashok Singh took over as NDA commandant, in the backdrop of negative news about NDA after a 3rd term cadet died during cross-country. The armed forces has a habit of mistreating media, but seems like an evil necessity for publicity.

No doubt NDA passing out parade, NDA ball, the convocation ceremony- they are spectacular events. Even the NDA authorities want to encash it by seeking media publicity. But it needs to stomach negative news too if something wrong is happening.

Parents don't send their children to the academy to come back maimed or dead. NDA and other military academies can't wash off its hands from such incidents just because their families sign indemnity bond.

WHAT KNOWLEDGEABLE & EXPERIENCED VETERANS SAY

Brig RE Williams ,ex DDGPI & ex Adjt IMA

It is sure a disturbing news, which needs to be investigated for avoiding future goof ups. Not that the media would in the instant case would have been absolutely correct in what has been reported yet there would be half-truths, which merit attention. Afterall the projection of highs of a parade is important as a operational and motivational tool.

What could have gone wrong? My take on such a faux pas would tilt toward the NDA briefing of the media along with the Defence PRO. The ADGPI / DDGPI / equivalent at the Command should have coordinated the effort. All travel arrangements need facilitation by the NDA PR and there should have been a protocol officer from the NDA, duly briefed should who should have escorted the media to the designated place. Although a Major’s name has been highlighted in the media report who may well have been the protocol officer himself and if so then the briefing of the officer was what perhaps was missing in totality.

The angst displayed by the media does raise red flags for the Institution. One has to deal with the press in a friendly manner and most of the reporters are very positive and courteous. My experience in handling the media during Kargil operations and post ‘Op Vijay’ as DDGPI, to include IMA PoP with the National media is what I have tried to base my response to the news item published today.

The officers responsible for the media interactions at various levels must be proactive and supportive yet firm.

Maj Gen Raj Mehta, ex Div Offr & Sqn Cdr ( 1981-84):

The NDA is a world benchmarked institution.

It has time tested protocols for its event management calendar, SOPs which are updated regularly and taken very seriously.

NDA has an effective oversight system to prevent snafus and for crisis management during events.

The POP is a sacred event not just for NDA but equally for passing out cadets, parents, the military as an entity for national pride.

Media is a critical part of the event. It reports on excellence and on achievement after first hand viewing.

Media coverage is an essential part of recalling your yesterday's,an essential part of NDA archives and basic material for motivational films about NDA.

Media is a key pillar of national power as much as military strength is also another such pillar. It needs acceptance and respect by both entities.

Something has snapped. It needs dispassionate investigation, review and correction to prevent recurrence.

Right and mutually respectful conduct by the protagonists is the right and only course ahead.

I visualise, post above process, the Deputy Commandant or Col GS/ Col Adm NDA inviting Pune Editors and their Defence Correspondents to high tea at NDA. With Defence PRO HQ SC and agency heads in Pune such as PTI also attending.