A proud contingent of 127 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from Odisha has embarked on a journey to the national capital, selected to participate in the prestigious Republic Day camp. The camp, a key part of the Republic Day celebrations, will be held in New Delhi from December 27 to January 29.
Odisha's Pride Heads to the National Stage
The selected group, representing the spirit and discipline of Odisha's youth, will participate in the grand Republic Day parade and the renowned NCC Prime Minister's Rally. Their selection is a remarkable achievement, as they were chosen from a vast pool of approximately 64,000 cadets across the state. The contingent, which left for Delhi on Saturday, comprises 80 boys and 47 girls, showcasing a significant female representation.
Contingent Composition and Departure
A detailed breakdown of the contingent reveals that the majority, 112 cadets, belong to the college wing of the NCC. This includes 71 boys and 41 girls. The remaining 15 cadets are from the school NCC wing, consisting of 9 boys and 6 girls. The cadets are being accompanied by 10 support staff to ensure their smooth participation in the national event.
Before their departure, the cadets received encouragement and blessings from Odisha's Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj. The minister met with the contingent and expressed immense pride in their accomplishment, highlighting the honour they bring to the state by representing it at the national level.
Future Plans for NCC Expansion in Odisha
During the send-off, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj unveiled proactive plans to strengthen the NCC's footprint across Odisha. A key focus of this expansion will be on increasing women's participation in the corps. The minister emphasised initiatives to encourage more female cadets and discussed plans to establish dedicated NCC battalions for girls, aiming to create more inclusive and empowering opportunities.
Adding to the overview, Commodore Vikram Singh, the Deputy Director General of the Odisha NCC directorate, presented a comprehensive summary of the various activities and training programs undertaken by the NCC in the state. This meeting underscored the government's commitment to nurturing discipline, leadership, and patriotism among the youth through the NCC framework.
The journey of these 127 cadets is not just a personal milestone but a testament to Odisha's growing contribution to national platforms. Their performance in Delhi will be keenly watched, as they carry the aspirations of their state onto Rajpath, India's most iconic ceremonial boulevard.
