General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), and Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), hosted an ‘At Home’ event at the Army House for 495 NCC cadets representing all 17 NCC Directorates from across the country. The cadets, gathered for the Republic Day Parade, were welcomed into the COAS’s official residence, where they had the unique opportunity to interact with him and gain insights into the Indian Army’s legacy.

The event included a screening of a short film showcasing Indian Army’s contributions to nation-building, followed by a cultural performance where eight cadets sang the official NCC song, adding vibrancy to the gathering.

During an engaging interaction, General Dwivedi inspired the cadets by discussing leadership, resilience, and their aspirations for ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. The COAS encouraged the cadets to reflect on their roles in shaping India’s future and shared his views on the importance of discipline, innovation, and teamwork. Many cadets shared stories of how the NCC has shaped their lives, instilling values of service, leadership, and perseverance.

The cadets also recounted their memorable experiences from the Republic Day Parade camp, expressing pride in being part of a national-level event alongside peers from diverse regions. In one discussion, cadets imagined themselves as soldiers for a week, voicing their eagerness to serve in challenging terrains and contribute to the nation’s security and welfare.

A pamphlet detailing Indian Army’s contributions to national growth was distributed to the cadets, offering further insights into contributions made by Indian Army in nations’s progress.

The COAS also recognised outstanding cadets excelling in sports, cultural activities, and leadership, presenting them with books as a token of appreciation.

The event concluded with a high tea, where the cadets interacted informally with General Dwivedi and Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, making the experience more personal and inspiring.

The ‘At Home’ event reinforced the close bond between the armed forces and the youth of the nation, highlighting the role of the NCC in nurturing future leaders and instilling a spirit of patriotism and service among India’s young citizens.