From May 3, the academy dons a new identity. Once again it is the cynosure of all eyes. Truly so, with its precincts being thrown open to the public on Sundays and public holidays. Not just that, three local travel agencies - Abhay, Bhagyashree and Hasmukh Travels - have been roped in, to package a tour for those wishing to take a peek at what has been a restricted area till now.

Accordingly, the first tour took off last Sunday, with over 100 people (including some Mumbaikars too) eager to be escorted around the premises. All of them curious about the academy - its raison d'etre, its functioning, the people involved - and of which they have had a glimpse only when cadets saunter out on liberty days, or when TV channels flash newsclips of the passing out parade.

``Our experience has been that people are largely unaware of what NDA is all about, but are curious to know more. NDA has never been a prohibited area, we have allowed organised tours before. That was how the idea of opening it to public on days when the academy routine will not be disturbed took root. This way, we could even send a message across to the youth who may wish to join later on,'' explains Major Joshi, spokesperson, NDA.

Keeping in mind the distance, the travel agencies step in. At Rs 90 per head, they arrange for 100 persons (about two busloads) to be picked up from a pre-decided place, got to NDA, taken around the campus, given some refreshments and escorted back to the city. Along with this, NDA has also arranged for one regimental bus to transport visitors who come on their own till the Pashan Gate. ``But this is on a trial and error basis, we still have to work out the details,'' says Joshi, and the travel agents nod in agreement.

So will those who took the tour on the first day. For it was definitely a case of trials and errors. Starting from the beginning, the tour began almost half an hour later than the scheduled 9.30 am. Amidst much confusion about who will travel in which bus, who have reported, who are yet to check in, should the tour get underway... those present eventually pushed off.

The printed schedule listed the Sudan Block as the first halt. Instead came the equitation lines. But the NCO (non-commissioned officer) who was supposed to be the guide, was lost in the crowd. And the grooms at the stables pitched in with: ``These are jumper and these are polo horses.'' Not that it meant much to the visitors, who were taken in more by the horses' good looks (``that one's got a mushroom cut,'') rather than his Arabian breed! No mention about their accomplishments, their breeding, the care that goes into keeping them fit, and the visitors trooped out.

Onto the Sudan block, where the travel agents stepped in to give a back-grounder. ``Our previous visits have furnished us with enough bits of information,'' says Vivek Gole of Bhagyashree Travels, who explained about the Sudanese government's grateful gesture that culminated in this building, the activities (classes) conducted inside. But other details like the gallery of portraits of the series of commandants went unexplained...

...And everyone dragged their feet to the Cadets Mess. That was when some military personnel finally emphasised their presence, and systematically explained about the 1500-odd cadets who dine here daily, the seating arrangement, the distinguished guests who have had a meal or cuppa here, and even pointed out the framed menus when the big shots dined in this hall! A visit to the kitchens with its massive cookers, mammoth pots and pans, a peek at the rows and piles of crockery and cutlery being washed in the scullery was enough to take your breath away.

At this point, the waning enthusiasm got recharged, and the visitors marched to the Motivation Centre and Museum. This was worth the trudge in the sun, as the curator passionately related information on the rare exhibits (Rakesh Sharma's spacesuit, for instance), the precious gifts given by various dignitaries, and took out the visitors book that has signatures of famous personalities - from rulers of foreign states to ministers to military chiefs. The awe-struck gazes, as the general public had a near-brush with royalty and power, was a sure-shot indication of their impression. The 40-minute film on the genesis and history of the academy screened at the Habibullah Hall thereafter reinforced this sense of solemnity.

``This particular session was an eye-opener; we wish the other visits had been accompanied with such explanations,'' said M Desai, who was visiting with his wife and two young sons.

A drive round the campus, a stroll about the Peacock Bay, a stop at the cafetarium for a quick bite, and the tour was wound up. ``People are very enthusiastic to come,'' say the travel agents. ``We have already started on next week's bookings, so much is the crowd.''

And commercialisation has already crept in, with one fellow trying to sell laminated pictures of the campus! But the authorities have prescribed an exhaustive list of more don'ts than dos to preserve the sanctity of the place. So all you young girls out there, entry into the cadets' residential area is strictly prohibited; no spitting allowed; do not put your mountaineering skills to test with the cannons and aircraft on the campus!``I finally went to see the place I've heard so much about.'' ``We wanted our son to see the defence institution so that he is inspired to join.''

``I've always wanted to see the architecture from close quarters, and experience the fresh unpolluted surroundings - a rarity these days.'' ``We came along to check out the NDA cadets!'' Whatever be their reason, hordes have made it a point to come from different parts of the town. But if the tempo is to be kept up, the officials have definitely to brush up their act. Teething troubles can be tolerated... but not forever.