Memory of Republic Day Camp of NCC at New Delhi

Republic Day Camp at New Delhi

It was a long process for the selection of the NCC Directorate of West Bengal, Sikkim & Andaman contingent for Republic Day Camp at New Delhi. We had 2 Camps at Kolkata started in December 1969 and continued till 10^th January 1970, Our campsite was at Elen bora ground, the outer skirt of Fort William. I was then a Sergeant of 18^th Bangal battalion NCC of Senior Division, Army Wing. I was studying undergraduate in Biological Science at Bangabasi College. Last year I was kept in reserve, the chances were less. This time I was selected in special quarter guard, performing duties at Quarter Guard, a place where any VIP visit the place, he is given salute for inspection. It is called a mirror of the camp or a unit.

We were given mufti and tie, we were Senior Boys, Girls, Junior Boys & Girls of Army Wing, Senior & Junior Boys of naval and Air Wing NCC cadets. An Authorised NCC Officer was there. I was sent to invite the media of Kolkata to cover our camp.  Akashvani Kolkata, ‘Sambad Bichtra’ covered the event.

Our camp store was booked to Indian railway, we were also carrying firearms with us. At Mughal Sarai Junction railway station, we found our stores were on the railway platform, we all encircled the store, the railway staff was called and requested to reload the same and rail was left for Delhi Jn.

I along with another Senior Division Army Wing cadet from Chandan Nagar, Hooghly, was selected from our contingent to be in the special quarter guard of DG NCC republic day camp of  1970. We were called on short notice to give a guard of honor to VVIP & VIP. We were told we will not be allowed to take part in the Republic day parade, we had requested you to allow us, it was considered and we took part. The Army truck used to carry us from Garrison Parade Ground         ( near Palam AirPort) where we had camped under canvas. It was dark when we had left the camp, the cold wind in the truck was freezing us. It took some time to warm up our body temperature. The route was about 11 km., finishing point as Lal Quila. Our rifle was at left hand and the right hand we had to swing. After some time we used to feel we have only the right hand. The pipe band of Pilani NCC Girls was fantastic, the Band Mistress was quite tall, she had good control of the Band stick. In special Quater Guard, the bugler was from this contingent, her playing the tune was fantastic. On the 25th of January had a big shower, we thought the final parade may be canceled, but it was clear weather on next morning.


NCC in 2014-15

On 27^th January, the Prime Minister rally, Indira Gandhi then Prime Minister took the salute of our march past, she presented prizes, trophies, and banner to the cadets. We had a photo session with Prime Minister, next day we called on our Hon’ble President VV Giri at Rashtrapati Bhawan. There also we had a photo session. The last year I have seen the live telecast of this event, and I do have the video link. NCC Prime Minister Rally at New Delhi 2014

Next day we all went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, it was great fun with the NCC crowd.