21 Army Officers Support Fallen NDA Cadet’s Sister

When National Defence Academy (NDA) cadet Pratham Mahale died tragically during an inter-squadron boxing competition on October 16, 2023, the loss was felt deeply among his fellow cadets and soon-to-be officers. What followed, however, was not just grief — it was a remarkable act of compassion and commitment. Twenty-one of his coursemates, now officers in the Indian Armed Forces, came together to support his grieving family.

Even though no one asked for help, these young officers took it upon themselves to become the family’s support system. They committed to funding Pratham’s younger sister’s medical education at a private college. Along with that, they send monthly financial aid — between ₹25,000 and ₹40,000 — to support the family’s needs and stay in regular contact with his parents, ensuring they never feel alone. For them, this isn’t charity — it is an extension of their bond with their fallen brother.

Pratham — once the Cadet Captain of Oscar Squadron and a distinguished student of Sainik School Satara — hailed from Saygaon village in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district. His leadership, humility, and sense of duty earned the deep respect and affection of his coursemates. He was in his final term at NDA, with only two months left for his passing-out parade, when the fatal incident occurred.

One young officer recalled how Pratham took it upon himself to represent the squadron in the boxing competition: there were no volunteers, and despite others stepping back, Pratham said, “I will practice hard and do it for the squadron.” True to his promise, he fought for them. His dedication left a lasting impression. “He trained relentlessly to ensure the squadron’s success — he showed us how to lead from the front,” said one officer.

Another lieutenant shared, “He would have supported his sister’s education if he were alive. Since he can’t now, we felt it was our duty.” What began as a promise to a friend turned into a vow to care for his family. Officers posted nearby or on leave often visit Pratham’s family in Saygaon, offering emotional comfort and support. Two officers even stayed with the family for three days recently.

During their passing-out parade, several officers invited Pratham’s parents to their academies and honoured them by asking them to pin the stars on their uniforms — a symbolic gesture that reflected deep respect, gratitude, and affection. Pratham’s father, Gorakh Mahale, expressed heartfelt emotions: “We could never imagine they would support us like this. We never asked for help. They did it on their own.”

His sister, Rujuta Mahale, echoed a similar sentiment: “The officers keep in touch with us. They’ve become our family. Every Sunday they video-call my parents and remind us they are there. Their support is no less than what my brother would have done.”

A senior officer summed it up beautifully: the bonds formed in military academies — forged through shared hardship, discipline, camaraderie, and common purpose — often transcend duty. In this case, those bonds translated into meaningful, compassionate action, honouring a silent promise to stand by each other not just in uniform, but in every walk of life.

In an era often marked by cynicism and detachment, this story shines through as a testament to enduring brotherhood, honour, and humanity. It reminds us that for those who swear an oath to serve, true service sometimes begins not on the battlefield, but at the doorstep of a grieving family.