A ten-day National Cadet Corps (NCC) training camp in Ahmedabad brought together 123 cadets for military exercises, academic sessions, physical tests and cultural activities, with 58 participants from Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) taking part in the programme.

The Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC-126), organised by 1 Gujarat Artillery Battery at the NCC Headquarters in Law Garden, ran from 7 to 16 October 2026. The programme covered military skills, mental health, defence technology, personality development, disaster management and cybersecurity.

The camp gave cadets opportunities to practise military drills, test their physical abilities and take part in activities that required public speaking, teamwork and quick thinking. Competitions were held in several fields, with RRU cadets winning prizes in multiple events.

 Lieutenant Colonel T. G. Rajesh, Commanding Officer, opened the camp with an address to the participants. The cadets were then divided into four groups named Shaurya, Veer, Vijay and Tejas to organise training sessions and manage activities during the ten days.

The National Cadet Corps is a voluntary youth organisation under India’s Ministry of Defence. It works with students in schools and colleges to develop discipline, leadership, comradeship and a sense of service. Its training also introduces young people to military life and may encourage some to consider a career in the armed forces.

Academic sessions formed a key part of CATC-126. Lectures addressed subjects that affect young people and their understanding of the world around them, including mental health, new defence technologies, personality development and online security.

The sessions were delivered by Dr Jigar Parekh, Mr Chintan, Mr Abhishek, Dr. Shalini Singh and Dr. Ravi Sheth. The programme also included an expert session by personnel from the 6th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

The NDRF session dealt with disaster management, emergency preparedness and the need for coordinated action during natural and other disasters. Such knowledge can help young people understand how emergency services work and why people must follow instructions during rescue operations.

India’s disaster response system relies on trained teams, equipment and coordination between agencies. The NDRF, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, provides specialist assistance during major emergencies. Its training programmes cover areas such as search and rescue, first aid and responses to different types of disasters.

For NCC cadets, an introduction to these subjects offers a wider view of public service beyond routine military training. It also brings attention to the role that preparation and cooperation play when communities face emergencies.

Physical training remained part of the camp’s daily routine. Regular physical training sessions and drill practice helped cadets work on their fitness, coordination and ability to follow instructions.

Sports and competitions held during the evenings gave participants further opportunities to test their skills. Physical events included sit-up competitions, sprint races and the standing broad jump. Drill and firing competitions tested their military training and proficiency.

The programme also included essay writing, debates, extempore speaking and quizzes. These activities required cadets to express their views, answer questions and present information before others.

The range of events allowed participants to compete in both physical and academic activities. They also provided opportunities to practise public speaking and build confidence in front of an audience.

Of the 123 participants, 58 were from Rashtriya Raksha University. Their prizes in several competitions reflected their performance during the camp. The available camp details do not specify the names of the winning cadets or the individual events in which they secured awards.

CATC-126 ended on 16 October with a closing programme and cultural evening attended by military officers and NCC representatives.

Those present included Group Captain S. Anil, Lieutenant Colonel T. G. Rajesh, Lieutenant Commander Anantha Krishnan and Lieutenant Colonel Lokesh. The gathering also included Lieutenant Dr Gaurav Singh Kushwah, Associate NCC Officer at Rashtriya Raksha University; Lieutenant Jayesh Chauhan, Associate NCC Officer at Vivekanand College; GCI Nikita, 2I; and Lieutenant Dr Deviyani Mahida, Associate NCC Officer at 1 Gujarat Girls Battalion.

The cultural programme gave cadets an opportunity to display their talents after ten days of training and competitions. It also brought together participants who had worked in separate groups during the camp.

For the cadets, the closing event marked the end of a programme that combined physical exercises, military instruction, classroom learning and recreational activities. Their participation in CATC-126 also formed part of the NCC’s wider effort to prepare young people for responsible roles in public life.

The camp concluded after its scheduled ten-day programme, with participants returning from a course that covered military proficiency, academic learning and activities aimed at developing leadership among young people.

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