A cadet flies a microlight aircraft over the Maidan as part of the NCC Day celebrations. Over 600 cadets from West Bengal and Sikkim took part in the celebrations, which culminated on Sunday. Picture by Sanjoy Chattopadhyaya

The 56th National Cadet Corps (NCC) Day celebrations were held at Brigade Parade Grounds on Sunday.

Chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee inaugurated the day-long programme, in which 600 cadets from West Bengal and Sikkim took part.

In the morning, outstanding cadets were awarded medals after the march-past.

A special feature this year was a platoon marching on stilts. The highlights of the day were microlight aircraft sorties and para-sailing by the cadets. There was also an aero-modelling show.

There was a treat in store for the cadets, too, in the form of an impressive display of equipment used by the Indian armed forces. The celebrations ended with a cultural programme at the NCC Clubhouse on Park Street.