NCC History
NCC parade
NCC cadets in off-parade uniforms (left to rightː Air Force, Navy and Army).
The NCC is the world’s largest uniformed youth organization. Its motto is ‘Unity and Discipline’.
The NCC in India was formed the National Cadet Corps Act of 1948. It was raised on 15 be traced back to the ‘Corps’, which was created under the Indian Defense Act 1917, with the objective to make up the shortage of the Army. In 1920, when the Indian Territorial Act was passed, the ‘University Corps’ was replaced by the University Training Corps (UTC). The aim was to raise the status of the UTC and make it more attractive to the youth. The UTC Officers and cadets dressed like the army. It was a significant step towards the Indianisation of armed forces. It was rechristened in the form of UOTC so the National Cadet Corps can be considered as a successor of the University Officers Training Corps (UOTC) which was established by the British Government in 1942. During World War II, the UOTC never came up to the expectations set by the British. This led to the idea that some better schemes should be formed, which could train more young men in a better way, even during peace. A committee headed by H N KUNZRU recommended a cadet organization to be established in schools and colleges at a national level. The National Cadet Corps Act was accepted by the Governor General and on 15 July 1948 the National Cadet Corps came into existence.
In 1948, the Girls Division was raised in order to give equal opportunities to school and college going girls. The NCC was given an inter-service image in 1950 when the Air Wing was added, followed by the Naval Wing in 1952. Same year, the NCC curriculum was extended to include community development/social service activities as a part of the NCC syllabus at the behest of Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who took keen interest in the growth of the NCC. Following the 1962 Sino-Indian War, to meet the requirement of the Nation, the NCC training was made compulsory in 1963. In 1968, the Corps was again made voluntary.
During Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 & Bangladesh-Pakistani war of 1971, NCC cadets were second line of defence. They organized camp to assist ordnance factories, supplying arms and ammunition to the front and also were used as patrol parties to capture enemy paratroopers. The NCC cadets also worked hand in hand with the Civil defence authorities and actively took part in rescue works and traffic control.
After 1965 and 1971 wars NCC syllabus was revised. Rather than just being second line of defence, NCC syllabus laid greater stress on developing quality of leadership and officer like qualities. The military training which the NCC cadets received was reduced and greater importance was given to other areas like social service and youth management.
NCC Motto and Aim
The discussion for motto of NCC was started in 11th central advisory meeting (CAD) held on 11 August 1978. At that time there were many mottos in mind like “Duty and Discipline”; “Duty, Unity and Discipline”; “Duty and Unity”; “Unity and Discipline”. later, at the 12th CAD meeting on 12 Oct 1980 they selected and declared “Unity and Discipline” as motto for the NCC.[4] In living up to its motto, the NCC strives to be and is one of the greatest cohesive forces of the nation, bringing together the youth hailing from different parts of the country and moulding them into united, secular and disciplined citizens of the nation.
The Aims of the NCC was laid out in 1988, NCC aims at developing discipline, character, brotherhood, the spirit of adventure and ideals of selfless service amongst young citizens. Not only these, it also aims to enlighten leadership qualities among the youth who will serve the Nation regardless of which career they choose. It also motivates the young to choose a career in armed forces.
NCC Flag
In 1954 the existing tricolor flag was introduced. The three colours in the flag depict the three services in the Corps, red for Army, deep blue for Navy and light blue for the Air Force. The letters NCC and the NCC crest in gold in the middle of the flag encircled by a wreath of lotus, give the flag a colourful look and a distinct identity. Each lotus represents one NCC Directorate(Dte). The two dots represent the Officer Training Academies at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh and Kamptee, Maharashtra.
NCC Pledge
We the cadets of the national cadet corps, do solemnly pledge that we shall always uphold the unity of India.
We resolve to be disciplined and responsible citizens of our nation.
We shall undertake positive community service in the spirit of selflessness and concern for our fellow beings.[6]
NCC Song. The desirability of composing an NCC song was considered in 1963 and registered in 1969 with the approval of Ministry Of Defence. In 1974 it was felt that the NCC song has failed to catch the imagination of the youth and there was need for a change. In Oct 1982, it changed to . current NCC Song titled ” Ham Sabh Bhartiya Hain”. “Ham Sabh Bhartiya Hain” – NCC song is written by Sudarshan Faakir.
Certificates & Examination
There are Three Certificates in NCC. Below describes about it from lower value to higher value:-
• Certificate – A : It can be written by JD/ JW cadets of NCC, cadets of class 8 & 9. After passing those classes it can’t be obtained. The candidate must have attended a minimum 75% of total training periods laid down in the syllabus for the first & second years of JD/JW NCC(All Wings). The candidate must have attended one Annual Training Camp.
Grading in Certificate
Three certificates are awarded (1) A grade, (2) B grade, (3) C grade.
The best certificate is C, which has the highest value. (i) A cadet has to obtain 45% marks in each paper & 50% marks in the aggregate to pass the examination. Grading is based on total marks obtain will be awarded as follows. (aa) Grading ‘A’ – Cadets obtaining 80% marks and above. (ab) Grading ‘B’ – Cadets obtaining 65% marks and above but below 80%. (ac) Grading ‘C’ – Cadets obtaining 50% marks and above but below 65%. (ad) Fail – Cadets obtaining less than 45% in any paper or less than 50% in aggregate.
Activities
Republic Day Camp (RDC).
• Before RDC all group headquarters have to face the IGC(Inter-Group Competition)
• NCC Republic Day Camp is the culmination of all NCC Training activities. RDC is held at Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt from 01 to 29 Jan. 1850 Selected NCC Cadets from 17 directorates attend the Camp. Every directorate has 5 to 7 units under them. The Camp is inaugurated by the Vice President of India and culminates with Prime Minister’s Rally on 28 Jan.
• During the camp visit of Raksha Mantri, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Minister of Delhi, three Service Chiefs and various State Ministers/VIPs are also organised.
• During the RDC, various competitions are conducted amongst the 17 NCC Directorates to decide the Champion Directorate for award of Prime Minister’s Banner. Competitions are keenly contested in various events such as National Integration Awareness presentation, Drill, Line & Flag Area, Cultural Programs i.e. (group song, group dance & ballet), Best Cadet of Senior Division (Boys) and Senior Wing (Girls) in each Service – Army, Navy & Air Discipline and Best Cadet Boys and Girls each from Junior Wing. Aero modelling and Ship modelling are also conducted during RDC.