Introduction: Transformation refers to a complete change. It signifies the essence of growth and progress. The true wealth of a nation lies not in its foreign exchange reserves and riches, but in its citizens, especially its youth. Youth have the power to transform and hence, on their strong shoulders, rests the responsibility of leading the nation towards progress and prosperity. Youth form the backbone of any society and in this context we are extremely fortunate to have a vibrant youth potential numerically unmatched in the world.
India, in the past, has had its glories, but much greater glories await this great nation in the future( Ramakrishna Mission, 2008). It is here, that our youth will have an all-important and distinguished role to play. Transformation of our youth would be the key to this projected image of our country. Any transformation that we seek, would inadvertently have to begin from ourselves (Abdul Kalam, 2004).
Our raw youth potential is in need of maturation, without losing the essence and elixir of youth and this can be achieved by motivation to undergo transformational exercises, resulting in growth and awakening, which would lead to transformation in the desired direction. Many such opportunities are available, one of which; The National Cadet Corps Transformation is an inspirational process leading to self awareness and for achieving this, only textual knowledge will not suffice. Practical knowledge based on experience, intensive planning, dedicated efforts are all called for.
Also, change of any kind would always be accompanied by obstacles which need to be overcome with grit and determination and this is exactly where National Cadet Corps comes into the picture with its vital role in the transformation of our youth and society National Cadet Corps: The National Cadet Corps (NCC) holds a golden key for all-round growth and transformation of our youth. What began in the year 1917, as the University Corps, after many changes and overhauls through the years, has come to be known as the National Cadet Corps since November 1948. Today, with 1. million cadets, both boys and girls, from over 13000 colleges and schools, inclusive of those in remote and far flung areas, on its roll, the NCC is projected as the largest disciplined, uniformed youth organization in the world. From a modest beginning, the NCC has blossomed into a truly All India Corps, covering almost all the districts in our country, including the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep groups of islands. Its Junior and Senior divisions are divided into the Army, Navy, Air and Girls wings. This national organization is headed by a Director General of the rank of Lieutenant General in the army.
Its motto, rightly is, ‘Unity and Discipline. ’ The NCC movement has thus been truly representing unity in diversity of our nation. The NCC has excellent credentials in transforming our youth, in building their character and inculcating in them a sense of duty, discipline and service to the nation. Ever since its inception, the NCC has been instrumental in imparting quality training to millions of boys and girls and developing the personality of our youth, many of whom have marched ahead in life and excelled in their chosen fields thereby, contributing immensely towards nation building and national integrity.
Over the years, NCC has evolved into a highly disciplined, vibrant youth organization and has made substantial contributions for creation of disciplined, trained and motivated citizens ready for the service of the nation (Narayanan, 1998). Imbibed with the spirit of patriotism and selfless service, our cadets have been contributing towards strengthening forces of national unity, equality and secularism This is an ever ongoing process and the organization remains committed to strive for its very best in this noble endeavour. The NCC organization is a nursery for many future leaders in different walks of national life( Antony, 2006).
What makes NCC special? The answer would be ‘Training’, imparted through its manifold activities. Training forms the backbone of NCC. Training is known to improve performance (Manasa and Reddy, 2009). A great emphasis is laid on training, meticulously planned to inculcate discipline, leadership qualities and consciousness regarding guarding this country from threats. The essence of this training is to infuse in youth a greater sense of patriotism, discipline, self-confidence, self-reliance and esprit de corps (DGNCC, 1974).
It is this very training that transforms youth and for that reason, it has been discussed in detail in this communication. It is clarified that the aim of NCC is not to militarize the youth but to make our students better citizens, develop their latent qualities of leadership and provide valuable opportunities and infrastructure for training. The main objective of NCC is to build a strong youth force that aims at ‘Nation Building’. Ideals of Duty and Discipline in NCC: These hold a sacred position in NCC, being defined as:
Duty: To obey God’s orders as delivered by conscience – that is duty. Discipline: To obey men’s orders as issued by rightful authority – that is discipline. The foundation of both alike is denial of self for a higher good. Unless the lesson of ‘Duty’ is first learned, the lesson of discipline can be but imperfectly understood (Longer, 1983). The four cardinal principles of discipline are also well-defined as mentioned below: * Obedience with a smile * Punctuality * Working hard without fuss, and, * Making no excuses and telling no lies.
Training and Developmental activities in NCC: Training in the Senior Division of NCC (in colleges) is currently spread over a period of 2 years (in force since enrolments of 2007; prior to which training curriculum was designed for 3 years). Training is imparted in 4 phases as mentioned below: 1. Institutional Training and Camp Training 2. Adventure Training 3. Community Development 4. Youth Exchange Programmes The multifarious training activities and their roles in transformation of cadets are briefly discussed. 1. Institutional and Camp Training:
Regular training parades, conducted once or twice a week constitute basic institutional training, the contents of which are mixed bag of Military and Non-military subjects, some of which are depicted in Table 1. Table 1. Some contents of NCC curriculum (Senior Division) and their role in transformation. Activity/ ContentBenefits 1. DrillInitiates a sense of alertness, better bearing, discipline, obedience, smart appearance, self confidence, poise and grace. 2. Physical TrainingHelps to gain physical stamina and improves bearing. 3.
Unarmed Combat Teaches self defence to handle adverse situations. 4. PatrollingHighlights the importance and intricacies of guarding our assets. 5. Ambush and RaidIncreases preparedness and alertness to face the element of surprise invoked by the hidden enemy, to turn the tables on the attackers and emerge out unscathed and victorious. 6. Weapon TrainingIncreases self confidence and concentration. 7. Map ReadingDevelops confidence in deciphering new places with the help of map. 8. Signals and communicationMakes one conversant with communication systems. . Civil DefenceHelps dealing with emergencies and natural/ man made calamities. 10. Fire FightingHelps dealing with fire related emergencies. 11. Home NursingTeaches taking good care of patients at home. 12. Child Care & Family WelfareImparts knowledge useful in day to day life. 13. First AidProvides essential know how in dealing with emergencies. 14. Ecological TrainingBrings awareness about our environment. 15. Leadership TrainingKindles a sense of duty, integrity, Knowledge of profession, basic managerial skills and a considerate approach. 16.
Topics of Social RelevenceTopics such as AIDS, Cancer & Leprosy awareness, Blood Donation, National Integration, Importance of Values, etc are part of curriculum and effectively conveyed via lectures, seminars and group discussions. Camp Training: A multitude of regional, state and national level training camps are available for all-round development of participating cadets. The impressive list of camps conducted all-over the year (with the exception of examination months) is presented in Table Table 2: Training Camps for NCC Cadets Sr. No. Training Camp 1.
Annual Training Camp (ATC) 2. Group Selection Camp (GSC) 3. Army Attachment Camp 4. National Integration Camp (NIC) 5. Basic Leadership Camp (BLC) 6. Advance Leadership Camp (ALC) 7. Thal Sainik Camp (TSC) 8. Vayu Sainik Camp (VSC) 9. Nau Sainik Camp (NSC) 10. Sea Training Camp 11. Republic Day Camp (RDC) and Prime Ministers Rally (PM Rally) 12. Pre-and Post-Republic Day Camps 13. Social Service Camp 14. Special Camps such as Rifle Shooting Camps, Day camps etc. Camps provide the unmatched thrill and joy of outdoor life and are known to boost self-confidence levels of the participants.
Camps contribute greatly towards development of qualities of character and leadership through activities involving team work and group dynamics (Anon, 2006). While the different camps have different objectives, the common aim is over all development of cadets. Participating in a NCC camp is an exhilarating, inspirational experience that contributes towards confidence building and works wonders at ones sub-conscious levels. Camps do not necessarily mean only physical training. National Integration Camps are exercises wherein the focus shifts from training to letting cadets explore the area where the camp is being conducted.
NICs are aimed at letting cadets know more about our country, its rich cultural heritage, other states and their life styles. Cultural programmes, competitions related to song, dance and cultural heritage of respective states as well as local sight-seeing trips are part of NICs. Republic Day Camp and Prime Minister’s Rally has the honour of being the most prestigious camp in NCC. Held in January every year, this month-long camp is the grandest activity, bringing out the best in cadets, 1800 of whom, both boys and girls, from all corners of India, converge at the NCC RD Camp site in Cantonment Area, New Delhi.
The smart cadets at RDC are a picture of determination and confidence. They get a chance to march in step with defence and para-military forces on Rajpath, on Republic Day, this parade being reviewed by none other than the President of India. The PM’s Rally on 27th January is a grand show of skills in various activities. Inaugurated by the Vice President, the RDC is visited by VVIPs such as the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Minister of State for Defence, the three service chiefs and several other VIPs and dignitaries.
Cadets get a chance to interact in person with all of them, which, no doubt, boosts their confidence and self esteem. Cadets attending RDC are given preference in Youth Exchange Programmes. RDC cadets undergo a total transformation for the better. 2. Adventure Training: The different adventure training activities available to NCC cadets are presented in Table 3. This training inculcates in cadets special qualities of alertness, comradeship, courage, leadership, self confidence, spirit of adventure, sportsmanship, strong determination, team work etc. This activity instills a sense of achievement.
Being out in the field teaches what books cannot, and the enriching experience brings about a positive transformation in the participants. Table 3. Adventure Training Activities in NCC 1. Boat Pulling 2. Camel safari 3. Cycling Expeditions 4. Hang-gliding 5. Horse riding 6. Hot Air Ballooning 7. Kayaking 8. Micro-light flying 9. Motor cycle Expeditions 10. Mountaineering (Basic & Advanced Courses) 11. Para gliding 12. Para jumping 13. Para sailing 14. Rock climbing 15. Sailing Expeditions 16. SCUBA Diving 17. Slithering 18. Trekking 19. Vehicle Expeditions 20. Water skiing 21.
White water rafting 22. Wind surfing 23. Yatching 3. Community Development: This part of training is designed to make our youth aware and sensitized to needs and problems faced by fellow countrymen, so that their concern fuels a meaningful contribution to enrich community life. Through its social service activities, NCC inculcates in its cadets social awareness and the ideal of selfless service towards society. NCC also educates our youth against social evils. The various community development and social service programmes taken up by cadets as part of NCC activities are shown in Table 4.
Table 4. Community Development Activities Through NCC 1. Adult Literacy Programme 2. AIDS Awareness Campaign 3. Anti-Dowry Campaign 4. Anti-Tobacco Drive 5. Blood Donation Campaign 6. Cleanliness Drive 7. Crowd Management during Festivals 8. Drive Against Female Foeticide 9. Cultural Shows on Themes Related to Social Upliftment 10. Eye Donation Campaign 11. Literacy Drive 12. Medical Treatment Camp 13. Pulse Polio Immunization Programme 14. Road Building in Rural Areas 15. Traffic Control Programme 16. Tree Plantation Programme 17. Village Adoption and Agricultural Technology Demonstration 18.
Volunteer Service in Cheshire Homes 19. Volunteer Service in Homes for the Visually Challenged 20. Welfare Related Lectures 4. Youth Exchange Programmes: These are implemented with the help of youth organizations of friendly countries. The exchange programme constitutes 1 to 3 week visits by contingents of cadets to each others countries on a reciprocal basis. The activity is aimed at exposing our youth tointernational understanding and awareness. The participating nations are shown in Table 5. In addition to youth exchanges, cadets also visit foreign ports as part of Naval Cruise. Table 5.
Countries participating in NCC youth exchange programmes 1. Bangladesh 2. Bhutan 3. Canada 4. Maldives 5. Nepal 6. Russia 7. Singapore 8. UK 9. Vietnam The Government has agreed in principle to include Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Thailand and USA in NCC YEP. Along with the above mentioned activities, NCC also participates in select games so as to provide a launching platform for talented cadets. NCC participates in the GV Mavlankar Shooting Championship, National Shooting Competitions, Equestrian Championship, Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Championship and Subroto Cup Football Tournament.
Special incentives, career & job opportunities and scholarships ranging from Rs. 2000/- to Rs. 30000/- are also available to NCC cadets. The NCC has served with utmost dedication and distinction in building, motivating and training and transforming our youth. Very few organizations can match the impressive training curriculum implemented by NCC, still fewer can match its manifold, multidirectional activities, and, none can beat its economics as far as the benefices (youth) are concerned, because this noble activity is provided completely free of cost by the government
Conclusion: NCC India’s premier youth organization, represents the young, disciplined, dynamic face of India. This organization is the only one of its kind and plays a unique role in moulding and shaping our youth into responsible citizens. NCC is indispensable for balanced all round progress and development of our young generation and for creating a disciplined force and reservoir of trained and motivated manpower. Through its multifarious activities, NCC has carved a niche for itself in transformation of youth.
Through its innovative practical training, it has contributed significantly towards instilling commitment, discipline, enthusiasm, bringing about overall personality development and a positive transformation among the youth. NCC, has tremendous potentials to bring about transformation, NCC training works wonders with youth, bringing about total transformations in behaviour, attitude and outlook; increasing concentration powers, enhancing confidence levels and effecting a subtle but nevertheless powerful change which is a blessing throughout their lives.
The material gains here, are negligible, but one learns to overcome obstacles with courage and determination. The desire to awaken and transform should however, come from within; others can only motivate, akin to opening the door and holding it so, but one has to enter on ones own free will, make efforts to succeed and sustain (Kolet, 2009). As always the youth is marching ahead and it must be allowed to march with time, and, time never stops. Our smart, well trained cadets, bubbling with enthusiasm and confidence representing the youthful face of India will surely bring about transformation.
