In a first initiative of its kind, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited the ongoing National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp on Tuesday. Till now, chiefs of three Services every year visit the camp.
A contingent of all the three wings namely Army, Navy and Air Force presented a ‘Guard of Honour’ to the CDS on his arrival. The NCC cadets thereafter presented a fine band display. The CDS also visited the ‘Flag Area’ prepared by the NCC cadets, depicting various social awareness themes and cultural activities. The cadets briefed him in detail about their respective State Directorate themes.
Speaking on the occasion, General Chauhan underscored that from a humble beginning the NCC has grown into a volunteer organisation of 17 lakh cadets. “Its contribution in inculcating the qualities of discipline, leadership and camaraderie among the youth of this country is exemplary”, he said.
Highlighting the immense contributions of NCC in social awareness activities, he mentioned about the ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ launched with the aim to clean up sea shores and beaches and remove and recycle plastic and other waste and spread awareness about the need for clean and pristine beaches and hazards of plastic pollution.
“The drive has caught the imagination of the public and till date approximately 13.5 lakh NCC cadets have participated in the Abhiyan and collected almost 208 tonnes of plastic waste out of which 167 tonnes has been sent for recycling”, said General Chauhan.
The CDS complimented the NCC for its 75th year of selfless service to the nation. He also applauded the exceptional performance displayed by NCC cadets in various sports events.