Deepak Kandpal’s story is not just a tale of personal triumph; it’s a beacon of hope for countless young Indians dreaming of donning the uniform of the nation’s defense forces.

Born in the humble surroundings of Garud, Uttarakhand, and the son of a taxi driver, Deepak faced financial hardships and uncertainty that would have deterred many.

Yet, armed with relentless ambition and focus, he carved a path from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of the National Defence Academy (NDA).

At the 149th Passing Out Parade of the NDA, Cadet Adjutant Deepak Kandpal, representing the Alpha Squadron, was awarded the prestigious President’s Gold Medal—bestowed upon the best overall cadet of the 2025 batch.

This highest accolade recognizes excellence across academics, physical fitness, and leadership, and was personally presented by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi.

Deepak’s journey started in St Adams Public School, Garud, followed by his stellar academic performance at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gagrigole, where he topped his district in Class 12.

Alongside graduating from Delhi University, he rigorously prepared for the NDA entrance, finally joining the academy in 2022.

During three grueling years, Deepak excelled in every aspect of training—showcasing unmatched discipline, resilience, and command skills. His achievement is emblematic of how determination and hard work can shatter socioeconomic barriers and inspire a generation of aspirants.

This year, 328 cadets graduated, including 18 from friendly neighbouring countries. Among them were trailblazing women cadets—the second batch to pass out following the Supreme Court’s landmark 2021 ruling allowing their entry.

Admiral Tripathi urged the cadets to prioritise duty over accolades, reminding them, “Awards don’t define you; your duties do.”

Kandpal’s rise from a taxi driver’s household to NDA’s topmost cadet sends an unmissable message across India: with unwavering focus and grit, no obstacle is insurmountable.