Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today acknowledged the accomplishments of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, particularly their impressive participation in the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
The Chief Minister shared these insights during an interaction event for 127 NCC cadets from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh who took part in the 2025 Republic Day festivities.
Attending the event were Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, Major General Anupinder Bevli, Additional Director General of NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh, along with numerous senior military officials and dignitaries.
The Chief Minister highlighted the remarkable achievement of a Jammu and Kashmir girl cadet who led the all-women NCC contingent during the parade, stating, “This is a significant accomplishment. Her images leading the contingent have sent a positive message worldwide, illustrating Jammu and Kashmir’s dedication to discipline and unity.”
While addressing the cadets, CM commended their commitment and the enthusiasm they demonstrated on a national platform.
Additionally, the Chief Minister praised the cadets for their cultural performance, which clinched third place among teams nationwide. “This honor reflects your hard work and solidarity. Your cultural presentation, rich in our traditions, touched many hearts and brought pride to J&K,” he remarked.
Recalling his own experiences as an NCC cadet during his school years, the Chief Minister noted, “Your success resonates with my school life. Although I never had the opportunity to march on Rajpath (Kartavya Path), my roles as head boy and NCC cadet instilled essential leadership and discipline skills within me. The sharp commands, camaraderie, and teamwork spirit have accompanied me throughout my journey.”
He emphasized the NCC’s crucial role in nurturing young individuals. “The NCC transcends mere programming; it acts as a forge for character development. In an era where youth contend with significant academic, social, and personal pressures, your dedication to the NCC’s principles of service and discipline is praiseworthy,” he stated.
He encouraged the cadets to value these opportunities and relationships, underscoring their significance in fostering life lessons beyond the NCC. “These friendships will serve as pillars of support during tough times, the allies who stand by you when life challenges your resilience. They epitomize the spirit and unity of our nation, serving as a reminder that no matter your circumstances, you belong to a larger family—a family that exemplifies Unity in Diversity,” he concluded.
Motivating the cadets to serve as role models within their communities, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged them to take a firm stance against drug abuse and contribute significantly to combating this issue.
On this occasion, several NCC cadets from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh shared their experiences from the Republic Day Camp in Delhi.