Over 600 NCC cadets from across the country are embracing unity in diversity at a national integration camp through music, dance and lessons on language and environment.
The cadets have camped at Jusco School South Park in Bistupur for the 12-day event. The programme, organised by NCC Bihar-Jharkhand directorate, was inaugurated on December 23. It was for the first time such an event was organised in Jamshedpur.
The main objective of the camp is to motivate the cadets on national integration. Cadets from various schools and colleges of the country get an opportunity to know each other well. They learn several languages, food habits and living style from their counterparts.
"I have learnt a bit of Santhali, Marathi, Pahadi and Punjabi. The first day was uncomfortable because we were separated from our friends. But now it's exciting. We have learnt about each other a lot," said Prity K.M. Singh, a NCC cadet from Calcutta under the West Bengal and Sikkim NCC directorate.
Another participant Bhupender Pandey from Nagpur said, "The camp teaches us to respect each and every citizen of the country, their language and culture. We also come to know about Seraikela Chhau, which we were unaware of."
Thirty seven national integration camps are conducted every year. This one is hosted by NCC's 37 Jharkhand Battalion. The cadets from all the 17 NCC directorates have been visiting industries, zoological parks and other heritage places. A group of students on Friday visited Tata Motors to know the process of truck manufacturing.
The camp showcases activities of the cadets, promotes unity, brotherhood and patriotism among them. These camps are conducted on an all India basis and help bridge the cultural gap among various states.
"India is known for its diversity and therefore it's important that we respect the heritage. The national integration camps are meant to respect each other and also learn new things. It's not just music and lifestyle but we concentrate on food. Someday they get upma, poha, roti sabji as we try to prepare special dishes from various states. The cadets must know the speciality of each states," said B.B. Bhuiyan, the in-charge of competitions.
The camp is attended by commandant Captain Gautam Dey, deputy commandant Colonel Biswajeet Das, adjutant R.K. Choudhary and other NCC officials.
