Day One & Two

For the first two days, we were subjected to the normal drills. I was in Bravo Group which comprised cadets from our Directorate as well as others, all so different yet every heart knew there was something binding us together – the common thread that we were all Indians.

Day Three

 On October 23 we took out a rally to create awareness on HIV/Aids. All the cadets set out with creative messages and slogans urging people to be wary of the pandemic and make the world a better place to live in. I am glad that I was part of the crusade .

Day Four

October 25 was set aside for local sight seeing, Fauji Style. We visited Omkareshwar Temple, Raja seat, the serene ambience of Abbey Falls and Thala Cauvery, sanctified by Cauvery River. It turned out to be a wonderful experience .

Day Five

Then came October 26 .The day was marked by words of wisdom from Air Marshal (Retd) K.C Cariappa, PVSM, VM. The son of the late Field Marshal Cariappa, he gave a new meaning to NIC. The feeling we all shared staying together at the camp was aptly captured through his words: Remembering we are Indians and realizing we are Indians, that is ational Integration. He concluded his address with the words: Ask not what the country can do for you, but ask what you can do for the country.

Day Six

On this day, decked in our combat gear, we all set for the Mysore trip. That trip was on October 27. This also turned out to be another roller coaster journey but this time we had new friends for company and had no fears or apprehensions the cadets were an enthusiastic lot throughout the trip as we set out to visit Brindavan Gardens, the enchanting temples in the city and experience the bliss at Chamundi Hills. We were all left spell bound by the architectural beauty of the Mysore Palace. Indeed, it was an unforgettable experience which will be always be cherished and treasured.

Day Seven & Eight

For the next two days, we were all engaged in cultural events, National Integration Awareness Program (NIAP) presentations , debate competitions , extempore to mention but a few. We also got to attend various lectures by different dignitaries on various aspects of life in the forces.

Day Nine

October 29 turned out to be the shortest day at the camp. Soon, it was the dawn of another day and with it the declaration of the end of our sojourn. Throughout our stay at the camp, all the not so familiar faces seemed to be my own. We had developed bonds that ran so deep and it was difficult to say bye.

Bon Voyage

We departed from our camp site on t October 30 at 5:00 am in the morning. Now that I am back, after traversing a distance of more than 17 hours, every word of Air Marshal K.C Cariappa inspires me and makes me think: What I can do for my country? This is what NIC has given me– the true meaning of my being. Today, I am proud and feel lucky to have been part of the prestigious camp. With the sincerity and dedication in our respective fields, we can create a world where the mind is without fear and the head is held high, where the world is not broken up into fragments of narrow domestic walls .

Archana S Nath

with inputs from Shailaja

Samant,

B.Sc. Biotechnology