Date:27/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/27/stories/2006112715810200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

NCC Day celebrated

Staff Reporter

TUG OF WAR: NCC officers and State Government staff participating in a competition held in the city on Sunday. — Photo: G. Moorthy

MADURAI: Students should have compulsory training in either National Cadet Corps or armed forces, said M. Chidambarasamy, Commissioner of Police, Madurai.

Speaking at the 58th NCC Day celebrations in Armed Reserve Police grounds here on Sunday, he urged the cadets to practice the attributes of discipline and leadership qualities in their lives also. He praised them for having taken oath against dowry and corruption.

He urged them to work hard and be honest to themselves and society.

Tracing the roots of NCC that dates back to 1917 with the formation of "University Corps" under the Indian Defence Act, U.T. Babu, Group Commander, Madurai, said that NCC was the largest uniformed organisation in the world with 13 lakh cadets.

Col. Babu said that NCC's motto of unity and discipline were more relevant nowadays when "various divisive forces within and outside the country" were trying to divide the nation.

He said that 40 cadets from Madurai group, which comprised eight southern districts, had represented the State in national events with 20 more having been selected to participate at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.

Cadets presented an entertainment programme on the occasion.