Photos: DPR
(Press Release | Unedited)
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh exhorted the NCC cadets to usher the positive change in society and contribute their best towards nation building. He was addressing the NCC cadets at the PM’s NCC Rally here today. He acknowledged the vital role and commitment of the NCC to groom the future leaders which is the need of the hour. Dr. Manmohan Singh mentioned that NCC is the foremost organization that empowers the youth with sound values and cherished ideals, yet offering plethora of opportunities to excel in all walks of life and become worthy citizens of our great Nation.
Earlier, the Prime Minister took the Salute at an impressive ceremonial parade at Garrison Parade Ground by the NCC Cadets comprising of 17 marching and one mounted contingents. It was a grand spectacle of pageantry marked with precision, a vibrant expression of pulsating energy and excellence embedded in the smart drill by the ‘Young Custodians of the Nation’, enthused with fervour of patriotism and kindling each heart with pride. 51 cadets from six friendly foreign countries participating under Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) also marched in sync along with their Indian counterparts. It was a Picture Perfect – a true picture of aspirational India, on their journey to become worthy empowered citizen with sound values inculcated by a common most powerful binding force –NATIONAL CADET CORPS.
The smart march past was followed by a display of versatile skills by the selected cadets of three wings of the NCC. Commencing with cadets mounted on their stallions galloping in front of the PM dais carrying the National, Services flags and the NCC flag symbolising “Unity and Integration”. The cadets carrying out thrilling and daring drops from Advance Light Helicopters and MI 17 Helicopters using slithering technique; attack on an enemy position by Combat Team comprising of NCC cadets, inducting reinforcement, casualty evacuation and Small Team Insertion Extraction. Adventurous and thrilling Para Sailing by NCC Cadets which was next in the order kept the audience spell bound.
It was followed by five Tableaux comprising Army, Air, Naval Wing, Sports, Adventure and Environmental, Social and community service activities magnificently showcasing multifarious activities undertaken by cadets including DeoTibba Mountaineering Expedition and forthcoming All NCC Mount Everest Mountaineering Expedition. The Air Wing cadets then presented their flying skills in their Zen, Microlites.
Thousands of young blossoming cadets then performed a scintillating Mass PT Display on the melodious tunes of ‘Hum HongeKarnyab’ and “SareJahan Se Acha” played by Brass Bands from Birla BalikaVidyapeeth, Pilani, Scindia School, Sainik School Kapurthala and Pipe Band from North Eastern Region. The versatile cadets then presented mesmerizing display of dance, diorama of a tribute to National Integration through a unique fusion of culture, music and choreography. Three helicopters then showered petals on the participants.
Prime Minster then honoured those cadets who excelled to become extraordinary from ordinary in various categories. These awardees included cadets Kritika Singh, Shubham Kumar, OmangShrivastava, Bhupender Kumar Singh, Pushpender Singh, MamtaChaudhary, Senior Under Officer RSM Cheema and Surya Pratap Singh. The Prime Minister Banner was awarded to Champion Maharasthra Directorate.
The Rally was attended by a number of dignitaries and eminent guests, including Defence Minister Shri AK Antony, Minister of State for Defence Shri Jitendra Singh, Defence Secretary Shri ShashiKant Sharma, Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral DK Joshi, Chief of Air Staff and Head of Departments of foreign missions Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne and others important civil dignitaries.