The National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwaslais one of the first institutions in the world to impart combined training to officer cadets of the three Services. The concept and genesis of NDA dates back to the period before Independence when a Committee of eminent persons was entrusted with the evolution of a scheme to implement the intra-services training concept. The scheme took shape, and after a great deal of search and discussion the site of World War II Combined Warfare School in the vicinity of Khadakwasla lake near Pune was selected for the new academy.

In pursuance of this Scheme in 1946, the Indian Military Academy was initially  renamed the Armed Forces Academy and split into two wings, the "Inter Services Wing" and the "Military Wing". The first batch of  190 cadets of the Army, Navy and Air Force commenced combined trammg on 16  January 1949 at Dehradun,   in   the   Inter Services  Wing   (later renamed  the "Joint Services Wing" or JSW).

The foundation stone of the new institution at Khadakwasla was laid by  Pandit  Jawaharlal Nehru on 6 October 1949. The Joint Services Wing at Dehradun was subsequently relocated at Khadakwasla and came to be known as the "National Defence  Academy".

The NDA has completed fifty years of eventful existence in January 1999 and the 101st Course has joined the Academy. Till date, close to 25000 alumni of the Academy have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of Indian as well as a number of friendly countries after having imbibed academic and military training of the highest standards in a unique Inter-Services environment. On the rolls of  its alumni are the winners of India's highest awards for gallantry as well as distinguished services in peace and war.

The NDA has the distinction of producing ten alumni so far who have reached the pinnacle of Military achievement by becoming Chiefs  of their respective service.

As we approach the  threshold of the third millennium, the NDA continues in its march towards nation building, confident that  in the years to come, it will draw the finest of India's youth who will pass through the portals of this "Cradle of Leadership", perpetuating through their gallantry, dedication and sacrifice, the Academy's motto "Seva Parmo Dharma".

The Department of Posts is proud to issue this commemorative stamp on NDA, the true foundation of India's defence edifice.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India