NCC cadets and alumni taking part in the Uity March near Atal Bridge.-NE photo
- Air Marshal recalls NCC days in Dehradun and disciplined upbringing under Army-family influence
- Notes PM Narendra Modi & Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as eminent NCC alumni
- Gujarat sees over 50 NCC cadets recently commissioned into three defence wings
- Alumni meet aimed at motivating cadets ahead of Unity March
- NCC’s nationwide growth reinforces youth leadership in service & nation-building
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, FEB 1
In a stirring address at the Inaugural NCC Alumni Meet, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh AVSM, PVSM, VM, AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command, underscored how the National Cadet Corps (NCC) fosters discipline, leadership and commitment to service long before formal entry into defence forces.
Flagging off the NCC Unity March — a 800+ strong contingent of alumni, cadets and dignitaries along the Sabarmati Riverfront — the Air Marshal spoke fondly of his time as an NCC cadet during school in Dehradun, adding that his father, an Army veteran, was also an NCC cadet, strengthening the service-oriented mindset in his family.
He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, too, were NCC cadets, highlighting the organisation’s longstanding influence on leaders across fields.
Earlier, Major General Bimal Monga felicitated Air Marshal Tejinder Singh ahead of the Unity March.
Cadets manned interactive kiosks along the scenic Atal Bridge and riverfront, showcasing NCC activities like adventure training, community service, social awareness and leadership modules.
Later in the day, distinguished alumni were honoured at Law Garden by Justice Alpesh Y. Kogje, High Court Gujarat, and Lt Gen Asit Mistry PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd) — both prominent Gujarat NCC graduates.
Addressing the media, Major General Bimal Monga SM, VSM, Additional Director General of NCC Directorate Gujarat, shared that 85,000 cadets from 34 districts of Gujarat, including border and coastal areas and the UTs of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, undergo NCC training annually. This figure is expected to rise to 1.15 lakh in six years, with over one million NCC alumni currently in Gujarat. The programme continues to positively impact families and society at large.
He reaffirmed that NCC remains committed to fostering discipline, camaraderie, adventure and unity among youth — shaping confident citizens ready to contribute to a Sashakt & Viksit Bharat.
Responding to a media query on Gujarat’s contribution to the armed forces, Major General Bimal Monga said around 50 NCC cadets from Gujarat have recently joined the Army, Navy and Air Force, with numbers steadily rising. He also noted that NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders are exempt from appearing in the Short Service Commission written exam, giving them an added pathway to defence careers.
The main objective of the alumni meet, he said, was to motivate and mentor juniors, reinforcing the organisation’s ethos of service before self.
NCC is the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation, engaging millions of cadets nationwide in skills training, service initiatives and leadership development. Recent Republic Day engagements highlighted its role in nurturing patriotism and values that align with broader goals for youth leadership and national service.
