Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar on Saturday here praised the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and said about 350 NCC cadets have joined the Navy as Agniveers over the last year. He also said the NCC has consistently produced dedicated and determined bravehearts who “excel in the service of Bharat.”
Addressing the cadets at the ongoing NCC Republic Day Camp, he also said that “a large number of women cadets” have joined the Navy as women Agniveers. They are enrolled under the Agnipath scheme introduced by the government in 2022.
Admiral Kumar, in his address, praised the legacy of the NCC and the values it ingrains among cadets. “Many of our finest officers and sailors started their journey as NCC cadets. So, over the last one year, about 350 NCC cadets have joined the Navy as Agniveers. We are looking forward to many more of them joining in the coming years,” he said.
A large number of women cadets have joined as women Agniveers, the Navy chief said, adding the force looks forward to even more of them joining the Navy in the years to come, “taking forward the glorious traditions of the NCC of doing your duty and doing it well with distinction.” Director General of the NCC, Lt General Gurbirpal Singh was present on the occasion.
He had told reporters on January three that the NCC cadets get “bonus marks” for the Agnipath scheme.
A total of 2,274 cadets will take part in the NCC Republic Day Camp 2024 here, which will see enhanced participation of girl cadets, Singh had said.
In his address, the Navy chief said, “It requires a lot of courage, determination, and sacrifice to spend time from your school or college days to be a part of the NCC, and contribute to the national service”.
While it gives them much in terms of building their character and personality, it also strengthens the patriotic fervour among the youth of the country, he said.
The NCC R-Day Camp which “captures the essence of India”, was inaugurated by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday and it will culminate on January 28 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally.
