Pune Girl Shakti Pawar Clinches Gold, Creates History With Third Consecutive Win At R-Day Parade
Pune Girl Shakti Pawar Clinches Gold, Creates History With Third Consecutive Win At R-Day Parade
Cadet Warrant Officer Shakti Neelima Pawar from 3 Maharashtra Air Squadron NCC, Pune, who is currently pursuing Bachelors from a city college, was awarded the prestigious Baton by the Prime Minister at Delhi. She won the gold medal for being the all India Best Cadet in senior girls at the Republic Day Celebrations 2025. She aims to join the flying branch of the Indian Air Force.
The Commanding Officer of 3 Maharashtra Air Squadron Group Captain Abhijit Khedkar said that “Shakti is a highly motivated cadet. I had personally interviewed her prior to her selection as a Cadet and I was impressed with her ability to learn quickly, be crisp in expression and adapt to situations. She will definitely achieve her dream of joining the Air Force as a pilot. “
Shakti draws her inspiration from her mother who is a Police Officer and had participated as an NCC cadet at the Republic day parade 36 years ago.
While speaking on the subject she said “It is indeed a proud feeling to be number one in the whole of India. Especially receiving the award from the Honourable Prime Minister while my mother was in the audience. I am also proud of being a Cadet of the 3 Maharashtra Air Squadron which has a rich history of maximum number of Cadets becoming Officers in the armed forces. I am eternally thankful to the motivation and support provided by my Commanding Officer Gp Capt Abhijit Khedkar and Instructors. I also received guidance from senior Cadets.”
It is the third time in a row that a Cadet from 3 Mah Air Sqn has made a podium finish at RDC. In 2024, Cadet Warrant Officer Kushi won the Gold medal and Prime Minister’s Baton, she incidentally played a crucial role in preparing Shakti for the competition. In 2023, Cadet Warrant Officer Vaibhavi Vyas had won the Silver medal.
In the Junior Division Cadet Atreyi Kaul also from 3 Mah Air Sqn won the bronze medal. She is a very talented young class 9th student from a city school.
