Pride or marks, what brings you to NCC?

Ten marks and a chest swollen with pride, about having done your bit for the country. Not such a bad deal, isn’t it? No wonder, students have been glad to become part of the National Cadet Corp (NCC) for over six decades, even if it means working up a sweat with long parades on weekends when everyone else is holidaying.

Established under the NCC Act, 1948, it has now emerged as the single largest structured youth movement in the country. According to the Director General Lt Gen R.K. Karwal, “NCC strives to provide the youth of the country opportunities for all round development with a sense of commitment, dedication, self-discipline and moral values, so that they become useful citizens of tomorrow.” He was speaking to DNA on the occasion of the NCC Day.

“Today the NCC is one of the largest youth groups in the world. Every year 13 lakh youngsters join NCC across the country and in Maharashtra alone over a lakh students enroll every year. The government is going to increase the number of seats for NCC from 13 lakh to 15 lakh soon,” according to Brigadier PC Roy, Deputy Director General, NCC Maharashtra.

Most cadets speak of how joining the NCC changed them as persons completely. Tejal Khandelwal, ex-cadet NCC told 0, “I wanted to join civil services. I knew there is some relaxation in the selection of exams due to NCC certificate. But I got more than what I expected. I had a huge ego and this would compromise my team spirit, but being in the parades and camps under the orders of seniors I got to learn how to work as team to complete any mission. Now I am more focused towards my goal and all that I learnt from NCC will remain with me with all my life.”

While Khandelwal is recounting benefits of her NCC training five years ago, currently there are 1.3 million NCC cadets in 606 districts of the country covering 8,454 schools and 5,377 colleges who are benefiting from the same. While the Director General, NCC controls and overseas various activities of the NCC from New Delhi through 16 NCC Directorates spread across the country. There is a Central Advisory Committee for the NCC to provide overall policy guidelines.

NCC is manned by the service personnel, Whole Time Lady Officers, teachers/professors and civilians. One lecturer/ teacher in each educational institution is appointed Associate NCC officer. But what is significant is that at the ground level it is students who enjoy maximum powers and lead their teams.

It is such cultivated leadership skills among the cadets which saw them as a second line of defence during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. “NCC cadets also worked hand in hand with the Civil Defence authorities and actively participated in rescue work and traffic control,” remembers Lt Gen R.K. Karwal who adds, “after 1971 Indo-Pak wars, the military training which the NCC cadets received was reduced and greater importance was given to other areas like social service and youth-management.”

Projects like these also come as great confidence boosters to the youth. Like second year BSc student Vishwam Shetty, who has been able to overcome his awkwardness and shyness in company after being a part of NCC. “I have learnt how to manage my self. I have also transformed from being a materialistic person to a responsible citizen. Now I am very clear and focussed about choosing my career he says and adds, “I am now sure I want to join the Army. After getting the certificate I can be called for a direct interview in army entrance. That is a very good advantage.”

Being part of the NCC also gives students a bonus of ten marks in their aggregate. Punit S a TYBSc student told DNA, “Apart from personality development and character building cadet it was the idea of getting additional marks that excited me, “ he grins and admits, “In times when every single mark counts getting a bonus of ten is of course a major attraction. No wonder there are so many eager to join the NCC.”

Despite its all round benefits there are still many who are not even aware of what NCC is all about since it is still offered only in select schools. “I know the full form of NCC,” says Navjeevan Singh, first year, MA (English) but admits, “I don’t want to join the military, so I haven’t taken pains to join it.” There are others like Deepshri Iyer who join out of compulsion.

“When I was in school I joined NCC as it was compulsory in our school. I had no idea what I was getting into and to what avail. Later when I began attending the sessions and camp, I figured what it is all about,” the media professional explains and adds, “though I have not joined any of the defence forces, the discipline I have learnt is helping me in my personal and professional life.”
Clearly, a benefit that should inspire many.