A total of 2,274 cadets from all 28 States and eight Union Territories will participate in the month-long National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp 2024 at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt with Sarva Dharma Puja. The camp that commenced on Saturday will also see the largest participation of girl cadets with 907 girls, including 122 cadets from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and 171 from the North-Eastern Region

As part of the Youth Exchange Programme, the camp will also witness the participation of cadets and officers from 25 friendly countries – Argentina, Botswana, Bhutan, Brazil, Czech Republic, Fiji, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Tajikistan, UK, Venezuela, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Nigeria, Mauritius and Mozambique.

Speaking at the inaugural program, DG NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh called upon the cadets to participate wholeheartedly and derive maximum benefits from each activity in the camp. He advised them to display the highest qualities of character, integrity, selfless service, comradeship and teamwork cutting across the barriers of religion, language, caste in the spirit of nation first.

The Defence Ministry stated that the NCC Republic Day Camp holds the fundamental aim of instilling a sense of patriotism, discipline, and leadership qualities among the cadets. This annual event serves as a platform to offer cadets valuable opportunities for training, engaging in cultural activities, and participating in social service initiatives, thereby nurturing unity and pride.