Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur interacted with cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Unit Leh, led by the Commanding Officer, 1 Ladakh Battalion NCC Leh, Col VS Johar, who had participated in the month-long 74th NCC Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2023 in New Delhi.

Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Ravinder Kumar; Joint Director, YSS, Moses Kunzang; District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Tsering Tashi were present in the meeting.

CO VS Johar informed that for the first time, out of the 24 total cadets of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate who took part in the NCC Republic Day Camp, 12 cadets were from Ladakh and they participated in several activities, including cultural competition, national integration awareness programmes, and institutional training. The cadets were a part of the youth exchange programme, PM Rally, and Flag Area Competition, while one of the cadets from Ladakh was a part of the NCC marching contingent at Kartavya Path.

CO VS Johar apprised that the NCC cadets of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate claimed the overall fourth position in the Republic Day Camp- a huge achievement for the region. He also informed that cadet Abida Afreen and instructor Rajesh Thapa- won DG NCC Commendation Card and Army Commander’s Commendation Card, respectively, for their exemplary performances in NCC.

He also informed that the strength of NCC cadets in Ladakh, which is currently around 3,120, will double, i.e. 6,240, after the establishment of the second NCC battalion at Kargil under the Border Expansion Programme of NCC.

LG Mathur appreciated NCC cadets from Ladakh for their performances during the NCC Republic Day Camp and congratulated the cadet and instructor for winning the Commendation Cards. He stated that the performance and achievements of the NCC cadets from Ladakh show the quality of work of the cadets and the concerned officials. Stating that the expansion of an additional NCC battalion at Kargil is a necessity for Ladakh, he hoped for the inclusion of the Naval and Air Wing of NCC in the new battalion.

LG Mathur informed about efforts made by the Administration along with both the Hill Councils to provide prerequisite infrastructure to enable NCC cadets to train properly. 

Counting the advantages of being an NCC cadet, LG Mathur stated that it will help them not only get jobs but also travel around the world and experience new things. He also stated that NCC programmes will help them become disciplined and build their character which no other extra-curricular activities can provide.

LG Mathur advised the cadets to focus on their studies and expressed hope to see many Army officers from Ladakh in the future. He also presented mementos to the cadets for their splendid achievements.