In a profound testament to the unbreakable bonds forged within India's premier military training institution, 21 young officers of the Indian Armed Forces have united to support the family of their fallen coursemate, Cadet Pratham Mahale. The cadet tragically lost his life during an inter-squadron boxing competition at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune on October 16, 2023.
A Silent Promise of Support
These officers, who trained alongside Pratham, have voluntarily stepped in to fill the emotional and financial void left by his passing. Their support is both consistent and substantial. They are collectively funding the medical education of Pratham's sister, Rujuta Mahale, at a private college. Furthermore, they send between Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 every month to the family and maintain regular contact with his parents.
"This is not help — they are family. The initiative is voluntary, and the family never requested assistance," emphasized one of the officers involved in the noble endeavor. This action underscores a commitment that extends far beyond their official duties.
Remembering a Leader: Cadet Captain Pratham Mahale
Cadet Pratham Mahale was the Cadet Captain of Oscar Squadron and was in his final term at the NDA, with merely two months remaining before his autumn passing out parade. Hailing from Saygaon village in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district, he was the son of school teachers and a former student of Sainik School Satara. His coursemates remember him not just for his brilliance but for his exceptional humility and leadership.
"He sacrificed his life for the squadron," recalled a Flying Officer, explaining the group's motivation. "Can't we as his coursemates support his family in his absence?" The officer recounted that when no one from Oscar Squadron volunteered for the boxing competition that year, Pratham stepped forward. He assured his squadron, "I will practice hard and do it for the squadron." He kept his word and fought valiantly.
Another officer, now a Lieutenant, who served under Pratham's leadership, said, "Pratham never misused his authority. He guided us like an elder brother, pushing us to excel with motivation and a shared dream of bringing glory to our squadron. Helping his family is the least we can do."
An Enduring Bond: From Academy to Family
The support system established by these 21 officers is deeply personal. Any officer posted nearby or on leave makes it a point to visit the Mahale family in Saygaon. "Two of us stayed with them for three days just two months ago," shared an officer. "We know they miss Pratham terribly. We try to spend time with them to bring some comfort."
During their own passing out parades, several young officers invited Pratham's parents to their service academies and bestowed upon them the honor of pinning the stars on their new uniforms—a gesture of immense respect and inclusion.
The family is deeply moved by this unwavering support. "Their love and affection is unmatchable," said Pratham's father, Gorakh Mahale. "We could never imagine they would support us like this. We never asked for help. They did it on their own. Their monthly support is a substantial amount for us."
Pratham's sister, Rutuja, added, "The officers keep in touch with us. They have become family. Every Sunday, they make video calls to my parents and remind us that they are there. Their support is no less than what my brother would have done."
A senior NDA officer reflected on this powerful display, stating that the academy's ethos of forging unbreakable bonds through hardship and common goals has taken on a deeply personal meaning for this group. Their actions, he noted, reflect a silent promise to stand by one another in every walk of life, a principle that truly defines the spirit of the armed forces.
