Parwinder Sandhu
New Delhi, Jan 8 (UNI) For 504 young NCC cadets, Thursday was not just another day in their Republic Day Camp journey, it was the realisation of a cherished dream.
Stepping into the Air House, the official residence of the Chief of the Indian Air Force, the cadets experienced a moment that many will carry for a lifetime as they were warmly hosted at an ‘At Home’ by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and his wife, Sarita Singh.
Amid smiles, handshakes and heartfelt interactions, the future torchbearers of the nation came face-to-face with the leadership of India’s air power, turning an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable chapter of inspiration, pride and aspiration.
Speaking with the UNI on the sidelines, the cadets were elated beyond belief. “I am a huge fan of the Air Force Chief and when I was shortlisted for the visit to his house, it was unbelievable. It is an inspiration to meet him in person,” said a cadet from the Gujarat.
Another cadet from Orissa said that he was waiting to meet the IAF Chief during the RD camp. “Sir had visited out squadron in Orissa. Unfortunately, we could not meet him then. Today is my lucky day as I not only had a chance to meet him but also interact,” he said.
The cadets were seen lining up to get pictures clicked with the air chief, who happily posed with the young brigade. The cadets were treated to an assortment of snacks including pao bhaji, gulab jamun, noodles, samosas, and pizzas.
An annual highlight of the Republic Day Camp, NCC cadets are invited to attend ‘At Home’ receptions hosted by the three Service Chiefs, the Director General NCC and the Prime Minister.
Explaining the selection process, Lt Col Ram Avtar Singh, PRO NCC, said that an opportunity is given to all the cadets who are attending the camp to visit the ‘at homes’ hosted by the chiefs and PM. “It is a memorable part of the camp and the cadets look forward to it every year,” he said.
Earlier today the Air Chief Marshal visited the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp (RDC) at Delhi Cantt. He reviewed the ‘Guard of Honour’ presented by the NCC cadets from all the three wings comprising Army, Navy, and Air Force, followed by a band display by the girl cadets of Birla Balika Vidyapeeth, Pilani, Rajasthan.
The IAF chief also inspected the ‘Flag Area’, prepared by cadets from all the 17 NCC Directorates on various social awareness themes, after which he visited the NCC ‘Hall of Fame’.
While addressing the cadets, CAS expressed his confidence in the youth of India and lauded the role played by NCC in nation-building and shaping disciplined, patriotic and value-driven citizens.
He highlighted the tremendous presence of NCC across the country, making it the largest uniformed organization in the world with over 20 lakh cadets, comprising 40 per cent girl cadets.
