A glorious chapter in the history of National Cadet Corps was etched again when the Prime Minister of India, DrManmohan Singh took the Salute at an impressive parade held at Garrison Parade Ground Delhi Cantt by the NCC Cadets comprising of mounted and marching contingents of “Young Custodians of Nation”. Pulsating with high energy, enthused and endowed with charismatic patriotic fervour the cadets representing 17 Directorates dotted the landscape with vibrant colours. The spectrum was a ‘Picture Perfect’ – Showcasing ‘Mini India’; exquisite synthesis of “Unity in Diversity” Kindling and Uniting each heart with passion, zeal and excellence. 97 cadets from 9 friendly foreign countries participating under Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) also marched in sync along with their Indian counterparts.
The event has its genesis in the year 1951 in the form of a Pagal Gymkhana and Sports. However it got its present shape in 1954. Since then all Prime Ministers have always graciously presided over the event; and since its inception the event has come to be known as the Prime Minister’s Rally.
The march past was followed by a spectacular display of various skills by the cadets of three wings of the NCC. Commencing with cadets mounted on their chargers galloping in front of the dais carrying the Services flags and the NCC flag symbolising the integration of the three services; by Army Wing Cadets carrying out thrilling and daring drops from Helicopters using slithering technique; attack on an enemy position by Combat Team comprising of NCC cadets, inducting reinforcement and casualty evacuation. Adventurous and thrilling Para Sailing by NCC Cadets which was next in the order kept the audience spell bound.
It was followed by five Tableaux comprising Army, Air, Naval Wing, Sports and Social activities magnificently showcasing the multifarious activities undertaken by cadets like Scuba Diving, Microlite flying, scaling Bharatkunta peak, Winning moments of Subroto Cup Football Championship and Social and Community Development Campaigns.
Thousands of young blossoming cadets then sailed performing a spectacular Mass PT Display on the enchanting melodious tunes of ‘SareJahan Se Achcha’ being played by Bands from North Eastern Region and Scindia School. The versatile cadets then presented mesmerizing display of dance, a unique fusion of classical, contemporary and western dances. The following awards were given :-
The Prime Minister gave away the prizes to the Best Cadet in the Junior Wing Girls to Cadet Aneri Rajiv Desai of Maharashtra Dte and Best cadet Junior Division Boys to Cadet M Parasuram of Tamil Nadu, Pudducherry and Andaman & Nicobar Dte, Best Cadet Senior Division Army to Cadet AnshumanMagal, Best Cadet Senior Division Navy to Cadet Murli Krishnan TP, Best Cadet Senior Division Air to Flight Cadet MehrabKaizadBhaya and Best Cadet Senior Wing Girls to Sargeant G Vaishali.
The PM Banner Trophy to the Champion Directorate was given to the Maharashtra Directorate.
In his address, the Prime Minister lauded the NCC for its noble contribution towards empowering the Youth, Disaster Management mitigation, Conservation of Environment, and Community Development. He also complimented Lt Gen PS Bhalla, DG NCC and entire fraternity of NCC for putting up such an impressive show.
The Rally was attended by a number of dignitaries and eminent guests, including RakshaMantri, Shri A K Antony, Minister of State for Defence Dr MM PallamRaju, Defence secretary, Shri Shashikant Sharma, Gen V K Singh, Chief of Army Staff, Admiral NirmalVerma, Chief of Naval Staff and Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, Chief of Air Staff.