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Russian memoirs
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Nino Baby, a NCC cadet from Aluva, was the only Malayali to be part of a 12-member team who visited Russia for an intensive training programme. K. PRADEEP meets the enthusiastic young lady who wants to pursue a career in the Indian army.
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THOSE 10 days, every moment of them, were priceless. For Nino Baby, the final year Economics degree student from Union Christian College, Aluva, it was the realisation of a long dream. A reward for all those long hours of training under rain and shine.
Right from the moment she set foot on the timeless soil of Russia, Nino was enchanted by the boundless fields of golden wheat, broad lakes, so large that they could pass off as seas, towering peaks, vast forests, the walls of historic Kremlin, the quiet village of Tula, their traditions, customs and heritage.
It was not a regular backpackers crisscrossing nor was it simply a fun-seekers sojourn. There was work to be done, training to be undergone, and so many things to be learnt. For after all, Nino was part of a 12-member National Cadet Corps team, the third ambassadors of the country, as they were called on its first ever visit to Russia.
"For the first three days it was sightseeing at Moscow. The Red Square, the ancient Kremlin and we also went for a ballet, which was fascinating indeed. Then the whole of next week was spent in the province of Tula. Here we were put through intensive training," said Nino, the only Malayali in this Indian team.
This province in Russia is famous for its manufacture of arms and weapons. And the Indian cadets were trained in the use of different firearms like the pistol and AK-47. "They were so hospitable. They were rebuilding from the break up of the republic, but showed us the latest of the weapons being manufactured at that place. It seemed they were proud to reveal their military might. We were taken to the Spatnaz, the Special Forces department, specially formed for the protection of the VIPs. It was breathtaking to watch them train," said this Senior Under Officer of the Kerala Girls Battalion (Thrissur).
Unlike most of the visitors to Russia, this Indian team was fortunate to savour more of the land. They were not acquainted with the capital and its famous landmarks alone. They were able to move out into vast expanses of the land to see their creative and constructive labour, their art, their appealing songs and spirited fiery dances. "Yasana Polyna, nearly 200 kms from Tula, is the home of Leo Tolstoy. We went to his home, which is a preserved monument and his tomb. The small little village of Datch, with its apple trees, and hospitable farmers was a moving experience.
"At Tula is manufactured the traditional Samovars. A metal, often made of brass, is widely used in Russia to boil water for tea. Almost all the families possessed one. This 18th century invention is now appreciated as an art object. We visited the place where it is manufactured and also the ancient museum here, which displays a history of weapons," said Nino, who has made elaborate notes on her visit.
The stopover at London on the way back was a bonus. "Air-India and the Indian Embassy there made arrangements for a quick sightseeing trip. I considered myself really fortunate to stand before those famous historical landmarks like the Buckingham Palace, the Big Ben and the Tower of London," gushed Nino.
Back in New Delhi the cadets made a presentation to the Director General. "This was a comprehensive feedback of our trip replete with slides and other information. Then when the Air Chief Marshall invited us as special guests for the Air Force parade at Palam and later for the dinner at his residence, I felt extremely proud," Nino recalled.
The NCC is not just a pastime for this smart, young girl. She has decided to pursue a career in the Indian Army. "It is simply not because of a desire to serve the nation. Unity and discipline that the NCC preaches is best seen in the Services. Despite the rigours of the job, this is what I love," confirmed Nino.
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