To mark Children's Day, on Sunday 12 November, 29 children from Deep Griha Society's Aadhar Kendra SponsorshipProgramme went on a day trip to the National Defence Academy (NDA), courtesy of Synygy, an international IT consultingfirm with offices in Pune.NDA is a few miles outside Pune city up at Khadakwasla. Spread over 8,000 acres, it's the premier training facility for cadets in the country,housing thousands of cadets and officers. Unlike most centres, the Academy trains cadets for all three of the combined services of theArmy, Navy and Air Force.

Picking up everyone from outside the Family Welfare Centre on Tadiwala Road, the Synygy staff welcomed everyone with snacks and drinksas the bus weaved its way through the heavy city traffic. On our arrival the party was met by two young cadets who looked after everyonethroughout the visit, answering questions and explaining everything in detail. The children got to see many of

the facilities, includingthe parade ground, assault course, gymkhana, stadium, Olympic swimming pool and the large auditorium.

After watching a short promotional film about the Academy, there was a walk around the grounds, a visit to the museum and lots of posing forphotographs next to various tanks, jet fighters and other military hardware. One of the highlights was visiting Peacock Bay on the shore of Khadakwasla reservoir. The children got to look around the TS Ronnie Pereira, a land-locked concrete training ship for the junior Navycadets to familiarise themselves with the layout of a real vessel.

After a good explore it was time for a late lunch. Synygy sponsored a hearty meal for all at the NDA cadet canteen. Then it was back into thebus for the trip back home.

For the children of Tadiwala Road slum, a trip like this is a rare opportunity. Aside from the educational value, it's a chance just to get awayfrom the city pollution and get a little fresh air. Hopefully, it will be possible to run more trips like this in future.