In a landmark event for youth empowerment and national unity, Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command, inaugurated four new National Cadet Corps (NCC) units across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. The units were formally inducted during a Raising Ceremony in Udhampur, marking a significant extension of the NCC's influence in these strategically vital regions.
The newly established units include the 6 J&K Battalion NCC and 1 Air Squadron NCC at Udhampur, 7 J&K Battalion NCC at Kupwara, and 2 Ladakh Battalion NCC at Kargil. Each of these units symbolizes enhanced opportunities for youth in these regions to engage in national service, leadership training, and discipline-building. At the inauguration, the NCC cadets presented a Guard of Honour to Lt Gen Kumar, who awarded scrolls symbolizing honor, pride, and responsibility to each new unit.
Notable attendees at the ceremony included Mr. Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Additional Secretary of School Education; Mr. Garib Dass, Director of the Police Academy; and Ms. Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, among other dignitaries from the civil administration and state offices.
A Strategic Expansion
In his address, Lt Gen Kumar described the expansion as a strategic move aimed at empowering youth in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. He emphasized that the NCC’s values of discipline, leadership, and national service could play a pivotal role in molding the next generation of citizens. “The training and discipline imparted by the NCC can play a pivotal role in shaping the youth's outlook, offering them a platform to engage in national service and become proactive citizens,” he remarked.
The GOC-in-C also highlighted the establishment of the Air Squadron NCC, which opens avenues in aviation for the cadets, enriching their career options beyond traditional fields. Praising the Indian Armed Forces' role in mentoring NCC cadets, he acknowledged how their real-world battlefield experience significantly enhances the training programs. He also thanked Associate NCC Officers (ANOs) for their dedication as role models and mentors for cadets’ personal and academic growth.
Growing NCC Influence Across the Nation
Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Director General of NCC, addressed the gathering, discussing NCC’s ongoing nationwide expansion. He noted the organization’s evolution since 1948, aiming to reach 20 lakh cadets from its current strength of 17 lakh through additional NCC units and expanded training programs. “Our efforts are shaping more schools, colleges, and young minds towards leadership, discipline, and service,” he said.
Maj Gen Rajesh Kumar Sachdeva, Additional Director General of the NCC Directorate for Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, celebrated the success of the region’s NCC cadets, with 28 former cadets becoming officers, 178 becoming sub-inspectors, and many others joining the police force and the Agniveer program. Maj Gen Sachdeva also highlighted the Directorate’s historic achievements, including a Unit Citation from both the Hon’ble Lt Governor of Ladakh and Lt Governor of Jammu & Kashmir – the first such recognition in the nation.
The expanded NCC presence in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh is a milestone in promoting unity, discipline, and patriotism among youth. “This initiative represents our collective vision for a stronger, more unified India,” Lt Gen Kumar remarked, underscoring that NCC’s mission aligns with India’s objectives of security, service, and nation-building.
The GOC-in-C expressed deep gratitude to the civil administration for its continued support in policy-making, resource allocation, and logistical assistance, ensuring a seamless expansion of the NCC’s mission in the region. (PR)