The girl cadets at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, near Pune, participated in the autumn and winter PoPs in the first two terms of their first year but were not part of the marching contingent. They can be part of the march only from the second year. “It will be a historic moment for the academy on its Khetarpal ground. At least 20 girl cadets will participate in the marching contingent. They are practising hard in the rehearsals,” an NDA officer said.