The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : A camp that offers a glimpse into cultures of various States

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Monday, Dec 29, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

A camp that offers a glimpse into cultures of various States

Special Correspondent

— Photo: A. Muralitharan

SERVICE-MINDED: Cadets donating blood during the National Integration Camp held at Lalaji Omega Memorial International School in Kolapakkam near Chennai on Saturday.

TAMBARAM: Ajay Tyagi is a final year student of Agriculture. Hailing from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, he has travelled several hundred km away from his house. Like him, there are a few hundred youth who would be spending 12 days at Lalaji Omega Memorial International School in Kolapakkam, a suburb behind the Chennai Airport.

“I like Chennai and this camp very much. I would only be too glad to spend even one year at the camp if I am permitted to,” said Ajay Tyagi, an Army Cadet belonging to the National Cadet Corps (NCC). The Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andaman Directorates of NCC are hosting the National Integration Camp at the school, which began Saturday last and would be on till Wednesday.

As many as 667 men and women cadets from all over India, representing 15 NCC Directorates are attending this camp, organised by 13 Tamil Nadu Battalion NCC, said Colonel E.N. Prince, Commanding Officer of the Battalion and also the Camp Commandant. “Unlike the combined annual training camps that prepare cadets for inter-group competitions and the subsequent selection camps for the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, National Integration Camps offer more freedom to cadets,” Col. Prince said.

“It provides a platform for the cadets to mingle with youth from other States, offering them a chance to learn about the culture and tradition of different parts of the country,” Col. Prince said. The day begins early and after physical training the cadets attend briefing by personnel from different wings of the Armed Forces.

They also showcase their talent in cultural programmes that are presented during the course of the 12-day event. Cadets also take part in community initiatives like planting of saplings and blood donation. They are also taken in batches to places of tourist importance nearby such as Mamallapuram and Kancheepuram. Parman J. Naina of Gujarat, said that she felt very fortunate to be part of a camp that was attended by so many youth from all over India.

S. Bhavani Shankar, Senior Principal of the School, said that this was the second NCC camp they were hosting after the summer camp held in May this year.

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