Mandi NCC cadets represent nation at India–Bhutan camp

Cadet Senior Under Officer Diksha Kumari and Cadet Under Officer Vijaylaxmi Duggall of the NCC Air Wing, Vallabh Government College, Mandi, proudly represented India at the India–Bhutan Youth Friendship Camp 2025. They were part of the contingent from the Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu (Shimla Group), under the Directorate of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.

Flight Commander, Flying Officer Dr Chaman of the NCC Air Wing Mandi, said the camp was held from September 9 to 19 in Gaya, Bihar. Marking a historic milestone, the camp was the first of its kind to bring together youth from India and Bhutan, with 75 NCC cadets participating from each country. The event aimed to promote cultural exchange, mutual understanding, cooperation and a spirit of friendship between the two nations.

Flying Officer Dr Chaman also highlighted that Senior Under Officer Diksha Kumari had earlier brought laurels to the country by serving as the All India Guard Commander during the Republic Day Camp 2025 in New Delhi. Meanwhile, Cadet Under Officer Vijaylaxmi Duggall made her mark through active participation in the Prime Minister’s Rally held at Cariappa Ground.

He noted NCC cadets from Vallabh Government College, Mandi, have a legacy of representing the country in international Youth Exchange Programmes, with past participation in countries such as Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Russia.

Reflecting on their experience, Cadet Senior Under Officer Diksha Kumari and Cadet Under Officer Vijaylaxmi Duggall described the camp as unforgettable and a source of pride. They said the event symbolised unity beyond borders. Activities at the camp included country presentations, lectures on disaster management, cultural exchanges, educational and heritage site visits and informal interaction programmes that fostered deep friendship and trust among the youth of both nations.

On this notable achievement, Wing Commander Kunal Sharma (Commanding Officer, Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC Kullu), Dr Sanjeev Kumar (Principal, Vallabh Government College, Mandi), Flying Officer Dr Chaman (Flight Commander, NCC Air Wing Mandi) and Prof Baldev Verma (Secretary, Staff Council) extended congratulations and blessings to both cadets.