Hyderabad:City hosts massive national NCC camp

 Hyderabad: The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) Camp – I is being conducted at Vardhaman College of Engineering by the NCC Directorate of AP and Telangana, with an aim to promote cultural interaction and unity among cadets from across the country.

The camp has over 400 participants from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in the group ‘B’ and ‘C’ categories, whereas 200 cadets from group ‘A’ will be joining the camp on Monday, taking the overall total to 600 cadets.

The 12-day EBSB camp, which started on Saturday, will comprise heritage tours, physical training, music and cultural performances and exchanges, elocutions, panel discussions and forums for extensive interactions, sports and other interactive sessions. There will be training sessions, guest lectures by eminent military and civil speakers and competitions focussing on comprehensive all-round development and employability training.

Air Commodore V.M. Reddy, deputy director general of NCC Directorate (AP & T), in his address, underlined NCC’s significant role in promoting unity and integrity. He said that NCC was a reflection of values and ethos that make India a unique country.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, he said, “NCC provides training to candidates and makes the way for those who wish to join as Agniveers as they are already half-trained. The Agnipath scheme has received tremendous response from the youth. After four years, the Agniveers have many avenues before them in terms of employment in various sectors. Moreover, we are creating a stream of disciplined and responsible young citizens of India ''.

Cadets who hailed from different states were excited and overjoyed at getting an opportunity to interact with fellow cadets from other parts of the country.

Manisha Thakur from Himachal Pradesh said, “This is the first time I have come to south India. Initially I was nervous but as someone who is keen on history and arts, I am looking forward to visiting historical and heritage sites and monuments”.

Muskan Jahan from Jalandhar said she was excited to explore the city and waiting to savour the taste of the famed Hyderabadi biryani.

Aman Sharma from Chandigarh said that this was the first integration camp that he was attending. He is looking forward to interacting with peers from across India and also learning about the cultures of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.