A sailing expedition event had been organized by the naval wing of the National Cadet Corps under the Ernakulam NCC group. It counted several new NCC units of different colleges under its command. The event took place at the Panangad Saw Naval NCC cadets. Not only the boys but the women also took part in it. The event was actually organized on Navy Day which was as a part of the initiative “Azadi Ka Mahotsav”. This is an extravagant initiative to celebrate the 75th year of Indian independence.
NCC or National Cadet Corps is the young brigade of Indian armed forces. NCC had it’s headquarter in New Delhi India. NCC encourages students of schools and colleges for or voluntary service with the tri-service organization which includes the Indian Army, Navy as well as Air Force. NCC engages the young boys and girls to develop the country and a sense of discipline and patriotism in them. NCC is a voluntary organization that recruits boys and girls from high schools and colleges as their candidates all over the country.
They are provided with the basic training in arms and drills which is needed for the military. These students and cadets don’t have to join the Indian Army mandatorily after the completion of the course. NCC was originally formed in 1950 as an initiative to bring out the University Corps. This was created under the Indian defense act 1917 so that the Indian Army could have supplies in a shortage of manpower.
The NCC cadets who participated in the sailing expedition belong to the NCC unit of Ernakulam Saint Albert’s college. Not only Maharajas College, St. Teresa’s College, Thevara Sacred Heart College, and Cherthala SN College were also part of this expedition. The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies also took part in it as an extracurricular activity of their course, along with some commercial operators like Plain Sailing. 7 Kerala Naval unit NCC commander P Sibi Thomas stated that the 5 Kerala Naval units and 7 Kerala Naval unit candidates took part in it and they are under the Directorate of Kerala and Lakshadweep.
This expedition was held at Global Sailing Club in Panangad. Commodore Hari Kishan flagged the expedition off who is the group commander of Ernakulam NCC group headquarters. Before the commencement of the event, the candidates were provided with the necessary training in sailing boat handling and rope work. The associate NCC officer of maharaja’s college sub-Lieutenant Alson Mart stated that the candidates were able to sail for nearly 45 minutes.
As for the organizers, all the necessary precautions were taken so that no mishap could take place. All the credits were provided with life jackets and the COVID protocols were followed very strictly. This expedition will bring the necessary characteristics to these crops. They will learn about the harshness of life as well as how to tackle them. This expedition will also make them understand the value of discipline in life. They will be able to know the importance of patience during adverse conditions.
