SILCHAR: The Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC) organised by 3 Assam Battalion NCC Silchar, culminated after a 10-day intensive programme at Masimpur Cantt on Monday. A total of 331 cadets, including 223 Junior Division Cadets from nine schools and 103 Senior Division Cadets from six colleges, underwent training by a team of 31 seasoned instructors.
Colonel Amod Chandna, Commanding Officer of the Battalion, described the camp as a holistic training module designed to instil values such as discipline, duty, punctuality, and self-confidence. Highlighting the NCC’s primary aim, Chandna said, “It’s about developing character, discipline, secularism, adventure, and a sense of selfless service among the youth.”
A typical day at the camp began at 4 am, entailing rigorous physical training, yoga, weapon drills, map reading, and various tactical military exercises. Cadets engaged in sports like football, basketball, golf, and squash in the afternoons.
The cadets were exposed to a diverse range of activities, including lectures on India’s role in G20, drawing and debate competitions, weapon displays, and mesmerising dog shows. The involvement of senior officials, such as Akhileshwar Singh, IG BSF, and Col S Sriram, Deputy Group Commander, added value to the training experience.
Another significant component was disaster management training provided by NDRF, where cadets learned crucial survival skills, including CPR techniques and fire extinguishing methods. Underlining their commitment to societal welfare, 31 Cadets and instructors donated blood to the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. Additionally, they organized an entertainment program for patients of 160 Military Hospital (MH), Masimpur.
A highlight was a demonstration of martial arts from Manipur, taekwondo, and fencing by students from Silchar. Col. Rahul Sharma, ARO Silchar, acquainted the cadets with the “Agniveer Scheme”, detailing pathways to joining the defense forces.
In a move towards environmental responsibility, the group planted fifty ornamental and decorative saplings. They also cleaned statues of legendary Assamese warrior, Lachit Burphukhan, and paid tribute to war martyrs by maintaining the area around war memorials.
Senior Under Officer Cadet Kunal Dey, who bagged the ‘Best SD Cadet’ award, reminisced, “These ten days will remain an unforgettable experience for all of us.” Echoing similar sentiments, 15-year-old Aryan Singh of KV Masimpur said, “Despite initial homesickness, the camp’s rigorous schedule made the ten days fly by.”
