Port Blair, Feb 20: TN,P & AN Directorate alongwith 95 NCC cadets of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, hosted 85 cadets from the mainland in the Special National Integration Camp (SNIC). The camp was set up at Brichganj from 09 Feb 17 to 20 Feb 17.These specially selected cadets were sent by the 17 NCC Directorates of our country. These cadets represent the various States and UTs of India. The Director General NCC ensured that equal opportunity was given to the boys & girls cadets deputed from the mainland. The host NCC cadets (boys & girls) were selected from JNRM College, Port Blair & MG College, Mayabunder.
SNIC Port Blair, is one of the most important events in the NCC calendar and is eagerly awaited by the cadets. The aim of the camp is to integrate the youth from different parts of the country by getting them to spend quality time together and also learn about the different cultures/ traditions which form the basic fabric of this great nation. The cadets show-case their respective states in the form of presentations & performances like traditional dance and solo/group songs, rangoli, etc. Various sports competitions are conducted to promote the NCC motto of Unity and Discipline among the cadets.
The cadets were given an overview of the defence services i.e. Army, Navy & Airforce. Various lectures & demonstrations were organized by the Army, Navy and Marine Commandoes for the cadets. The cadets were taken to various places to showcase the pristine environment of Andaman & Nicobar. They were also taken to the important historical and tourists places in and around Port Blair. The cadets visited Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove, North Bay and Havelock Island in specially organized ships by the DSS. The cadets were given an exposure to scuba diving, an adventure activity during the camp which was a first time experience for all the cadets.
Visits to Chatham Saw Mill, Samudrika Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Fisheries Museum and the National Memorial Cellular Jail were facilitated by the respective departments. Light & sound shows were specially organized for the cadets at Cellular Jail and Ross Island. These shows were very educative and were a reminder to the difficulties faced during our struggle for independence.
‘Camp Fire’ was conducted on 19 Feb 2017 with the LG Prof Jagdish Mukhi as the Chief Guest. The programme was put together by the cadets and was a kaleidoscope of songs and dances from different states. The enthralling cultural programme presented by all the cadets captured the heart of one and all present.
The LG Prof Jagdish Mukhi, speaking to the cadets, appreciated the format of the SNIC and lauded the efforts put in to organise such an event. He reminded the cadets that they were at “Mini India”, which is an ideal place to learn National Integration. He congratulated each one of them for their participation and reminded them of their responsibility in nation building and also underlined the importance of discipline amongst the youth in the present scenario.
The Deputy Director General of NCC Directorate TN, Puducherry & Andaman “Commodore Vijesh Kumar Garg VSM” visited the camp from 17 to 19 Feb 17. A Guard of Honour was presented by NCC cadets (Senior Division Army) to the visiting dignitary. The DDG exalted the cadets to remember the core values of NCC and the rich experience it has provided them in order to be responsible citizens.
He motivated the cadets to work hard and strive towards upliftment of the Nation. He appreciated the effort put in by the entire staff of the two NCC units at Port Blair, to make this a grand success. He also thanked the Civil Administration and the Defence Establishments for their active support during the conduct of the camp.
