Jamshedpur, Sept. 18: Rajan Kumar Jha, a third-year student of Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial College, is ready for some exciting challenges ahead. Jha, a resident of Loco Colony in Parsudih has bagged a chance to represent the country at the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) in Russia — the first for any National Cadet Corps (NCC) representative from the city to do so.
Also the first for any cadet from the 37 Jharkhand battalion to make the cut, Rajan was chosen for the 10-day programme, which begins in the middle of next month, when he went to Delhi to participate at the prestigious Republic Day parade earlier this year.
His excellent drill and flair for participation in cultural activities helped him get an edge over the rest in the selection process. The 10-day programme gets underway in the middle of next month and would see the participation of 10 cadets from different parts of the country.
“We have cadets from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa who have been chosen to be cultural ambassadors of our country,” said an enthusiastic Rajan, taking time out from his practice session at the NCC ground in Sonari. The cadets have been undergoing a preparatory camp which began on September 9 and would conclude on September 20.
As part of YEP, students would be required to put together a skit alongside a dance, typical with a flavour of the Indian states. “To practise, we are getting together in Delhi at the end of the month. We have to zero down on some common programme,” said Rajan, who was informed about his selection through a letter on August 30.
The concept of YEP was launched way back in 1951 with four cadets of the NCC Air Wing being invited to be part of the 10th anniversary of Air Training Corps in England. Thereafter, it became a regular feature in the calendar of NCC cadets. This year, too, YEP would get together cadets from several countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Singapore and Sri Lanka on a common platform.
“There is a strong chance he would make it to the Army,” said Lt Colonel Shashank Yadav, the commanding officer of 37 Jharkhand Battalion.
However, Rajan has only one regret.
“My camps keep me busy. I hardly get to attend classes,” said the part-I geography student.
