Gone Too Soon: The Heartfelt Tribute of Shishir Dixit to NDA Cadet Antriksh Singh
NDA Cadet Antriksh Singh’s untimely demise leaves the nation in grief. Shishir Dixit’s tribute reminds us of the true spirit of service and sacrifice.
The cadet was a student of Centurion Defence Academy’s NDA Tejas Batch. Even while studying in Class 12, he had already cleared the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force in his very first attempt - a rare achievement that proved his determination and talent. He was among the brightest students of his batch, admired for his sincerity and passion for the uniform.
Shishir Dixit, renowned defence mentor, psychologist, and Chairman of Centurion Defence Academy, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Calling it “an irreparable loss not only to his family but to the entire nation,” he said:
“The demise of such a bright and devoted NDA cadet is deeply heartbreaking. He was full of dreams, discipline, and dedication to serve the nation. I humbly appeal to the Ministry of Defence to revise existing policies and ensure maximum aid, financial support, and benefits similar to ex-servicemen for the bereaved family to help them bear this irreparable loss.”
Dixit shared that the young cadet was one of the most promising students he had mentored. “Such a loss shakes every mentor and parent who nurtures the dream of seeing their child serve the nation,” he added.
According to reports, the cadet - identified as Antriksh Kumar Singh from Lucknow - was found unresponsive in his NDA hostel room in Khadakwasla, Pune. He was rushed to the Military Hospital but was declared brought dead. Authorities have ordered an inquiry to investigate the circumstances of his death.
This tragedy has once again highlighted the emotional and psychological challenges faced by cadets when they transition from civilian life to the tough routine of military training. Shishir Dixit, who has guided thousands of NDA aspirants, pointed out that this phase can be mentally and emotionally demanding for many.
“While maintaining high standards of training remains essential,” he said, “the transition from civilian to military life is a psychologically demanding phase, especially for first-term cadets. Emotional and psychological support within defence institutions is of the utmost importance.”
His words reflect a growing concern across the country: Are we giving enough emotional support to those who train to protect us? The pressure of discipline, the separation from family, and the intensity of training can take a silent toll.
The death of this young cadet is not just a personal loss for one family - it is a loss for the entire nation. It reminds us that behind every cadet’s uniform is a human being with emotions, hopes, and struggles.
Dixit’s appeal to the Ministry of Defence carries a strong message: the families of such cadets deserve support, recognition, and respect - not as an act of sympathy, but as a rightful acknowledgement of their child’s service and sacrifice.
This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call for defence institutions to strengthen mental health care, counselling, and peer-support systems. Rigorous training should continue, but compassion must walk beside it.
As the nation mourns Antriksh’s untimely death, we must also promise that his dreams will not fade away. His life and loss should inspire change in how we protect, support, and care for those who dedicate their lives to protecting us.
In the words of Shishir Dixit, the nation must “collectively ensure that the sacrifice and aspirations of such young patriots never go unnoticed and that their families receive due respect, recognition, and support for sending their sons into selfless national service.”
