NCC and NSS Shine at India's 76th Republic Day Parade

Kartavya Path came alive with great glory as India celebrated its 76th Republic Day. This event reflected the rich diversity, unity, equality, development, and military strength of the country.
The event also featured the participation of the National Cadet Corps, the world's largest uniformed youth organization, with more than 20 lakh cadets from schools and colleges from all parts of the country. The NCC motto - "Unity and Discipline" - aims to inculcate patriotism while providing a platform for nation building by training them into good and capable leaders through tedious training adventure activities, and community development schemes.

The NCC Girls Marching contingent was led by Senior Under Officer Ekta Kumari from the Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate during the Republic Day Parade. The contingent comprised 148 female cadets from all the NCC directorates. A remarkable fact is that 40% of the 20 lakh cadets in the NCC are female, who have also shown excellence in adventure activities like mountaineering, rafting, and paragliding.

The NCC Boys Marching contingent was led by Senior Under Officer Prashad Prakash Walkul from the Maharashtra Directorate. The combined NCC band, under the leadership of Cadet Mahesh Ashok from Scindia School, Gwalior, and Cadet Ankita Kumari from Birla Balika Vidyapeeth, Pilani, played patriotic tunes like "Kadam Kadam Badhayee Jaa" and "Sare Jahan Se Achcha Hindustan Hamara," filling the air with national pride.

The other great show came from the National Service Scheme (NSS), a mass movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1969. With over 39 lakh volunteers all across India, the NSS focuses more on personality development as well as community service. The parade was led by Contingent Commander Deepak from Punjab. It showcased the NSS's march toward literacy, environmental preservation, and health education. An important part of Republic Day Parades since 1988, working towards the vision of 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat, the organization propounds unity and national integration in the country. Together, it was a collective effort of showcasing the dedication and spirit of youth toward India.