Odisha NCC Contingent Makes History Air Travel to Republic Day Camp for the First Time in 75 Years

Bhubaneswar, 23 Dec 2024:In a momentous achievement, the Odisha National Cadet Corps (NCC) contingent is set to represent the state at the prestigious Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2025 in New Delhi. For the first time in the 75-year history of Odisha NCC, the contingent will travel by air, becoming only the third state in the country to achieve this milestone. This historic step underscores the Odisha State Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and development through NCC.

The contingent, consisting of 127 cadets, was selected after a rigorous process from a pool of over 63,000 NCC cadets across Odisha. These outstanding young leaders have undergone an intense 30-day training program to ensure their readiness for competitive events such as drills, cultural presentations, and other key activities on the national stage. The Odisha contingent will not only represent the state’s excellence in NCC but also showcase the rich cultural heritage and ethos of Odisha, reflecting its diversity and vibrant traditions. These cadets will participate in several prestigious events, including the Prime Minister’s Rally and cultural competitions, making Odisha proud on the national platform.

This achievement has been made possible by the proactive and visionary support of the Odisha State Government, which has consistently emphasized the importance of nurturing youth talent. The government’s focus on providing resources and opportunities through the NCC has been instrumental in creating this historic moment. Speaking on the occasion, Col Satyabrata Swain, Chief Selection Officer and Chief Training Officer of the Odisha Republic Day NCC Contingent as well as Group Commander of NCC Odisha, said, “This is a proud moment for Odisha as our cadets set an example of excellence and dedication. Their journey symbolizes the state’s progressive vision and commitment to empowering youth through platforms like NCC.” A grand send-off event is scheduled for 24th December 2024 at the Utkal Auditorium, where the cadets will present an enthralling cultural program showcasing the state’s traditions and artistic talent.