350 cadets attend combined annual training camp

Rachna Khaira

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Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 26

The NCC cadets of the 1 Punjab Air Squadron have set their aim high to reach up to the stars by joining the Indian Air Force soon after their graduation.

Over 350 cadets are presently attending the Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC) here at the DAV College from December 23 to 30.

"I joined the NCC last year. It was my dream to fly and I am grateful to the NCC for providing the students of our college with the flying experience. It was just like a dream coming true when I gazed down to the earth through the glasses of our aircraft," said Rupam Devadi, adding the training session motivated her to try hard to get inducted as a pilot with the Air Force. Rupam has also been selected for the youth exchange programme in France last year.

Another cadet Harsh Vardhan Dubey, youngest of all the cadets attending the camp, said he simply loves the feel of the uniform and the pride attached to it. “No feeling can match the pride of donning the uniform to safeguard the nation. It is simply beyond explanation,” said the 11-year-old Harsh.

"I would like to be associated with the Indian Army. As there is no Army battalion in my college, I have taken the air wing but nevertheless, the experience of flying in the air is great!” said Priya Sahota. She also revealed that while her parents were a little adamant of sending her to the camp due to security concerns, but were now happy after visiting her once.

The officiating Commander of the NCC Group Headquarter Jalandhar, Col Jarnail Singh, along with Commanding Officer of the 1 Punjab Air Squadron, Wing Commander Randhir Singh, Vayu Sena Medal (gallantry) said the NCC wants rural students to come forward and join the organisation, beating all barriers.

"the NCC camps help students to develop sound personalities. We hope after their experience in the air wing, more students will come forward to join the NCC. Though we do not have a micro light but soon getting one inducted to our air squadron," said WC Singh who himself has more than 5,000 hours of flying experience.