Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 26: NCC cadet Lisha D Suvarna from Mangaluru has been conferred with the Defence Minister Commendation Award, the highest accolade for National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets in the country.

On January 24, at the RDC 2026 campus in New Delhi, union defence minister Rajnath Singh presented the prestigious award to Lisha in recognition of her exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to the NCC.

This year, only six cadets nationwide received the honour, and Lisha is the sole Navy-wing cadet in India to be recognised. Traditionally, the award has gone to cadets from North India, particularly during Republic Day camps, making Lisha the first South Indian cadet to achieve this distinction.

A native of Kooluru, Mangaluru, Lisha is the daughter of Dejappa Bangere and Mallika. She is a student at St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor, and had participated in last year’s RDC.

According to officials, cadet Lisha was among the top five cadets in the country to successfully complete the RDC, earning the title of "Best Cadet" from the Karnataka-Goa Directorate. She also received the All India "Best Flag Area Briefer" award from Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi.

Lisha has been actively involved in national-level NCC activities, including cultural competitions, drills, written examinations, interviews, and firing exercises, demonstrating her all-round excellence, discipline, and commitment.

Her achievement has brought pride to South India’s NCC community, highlighting the growing prominence of cadets from the region on the national stage.