Udaan, a 20-days pre-recruitment orientation training programme of young boys and girls for entry into various armed and paramilitary forces, was held here from August 1 to 20.
The main objective of the initiative was to bring the boys and girls into the mainstream or otherwise they may indulge in antisocial activities or be lured into Maoist cadres.
The young mass was trained in geography, mathematics, science and history by school teachers, while reasoning classes were taken by bank officials. Similarly, many retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary personnel were roped in to train the trainees on various recruitment tests and means to clear it.
The outdoor part was taken care of by various Ustads or drill instructors.
Assistant Commandant Anabinda Mohapatra of Group Centre, Sambalpur, Subedar Shyam Panda, a retired Army personnel, and Havildar Rajesh Sahu of ODRAF, Koraput were roped in for the overall indoor training and fitness of the boys and girls, who also participated in the Independence Day parade held in Paralakhemundi district headquarters town.
The accommodation and training were free. Skill Development Secretary Sanjay Singh sponsored the entire training. Gajapati SP Shara Sarma was present.