65th NCC Day celebrated

To commemorate the 65th NCC Day, a simple but an impressive parade of NCC cadets was held at the Garrison Parade Ground on Saturday. Rain did not hamper the spirit of the dedicated and committed cadet as they stayed in formation, despite the outburst. Mock drill, combating the attack of an enemy and horse hurdling were the main highlights of today's parade. A souvenir highlighting the activities of NCC Andhra Pradesh Region was released on the occasion. NCC contingent of Secunderabad and Hyderabad stood first and second respectively while Kurnool contingent was awarded the third prize for their performance.

Rear Admiral K Srinivas, station commander, Navy, Hyderabad (Station), reviewed the parade and took salute of the cadets. Speaking on the occasion, Srinivas complimented the contribution of NCC towards nation building activities and its yeomen services during natural calamities in the past six-and-a-half decades. He praised the state for enrolling one-and-a-half lakh cadets from Andhra Pradesh of the entire 13 lakh NCC cadets spread across the country in the Army, Air Force and the Navy.

Srinivas added that considering its growing importance, the government had introduced NCC as an optional subject in the curriculum of both the UGC and CBSE. He hoped that the Andhra Pradesh government would introduce the same at the intermediate level, to encourage more participation from the students. He appreciated the parents who encouraged their wards to join this disciplined service. Air Commodore Suresh Badyal, deputy director general, NCC, Andhra Pradesh, said that girls participation in NCC was quite imperssive with 33% in the state. He hopes that the number will increase in the years to come.