Mangalore: NCC Cadets Turn Village into War Zone

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore, Feb 8: Don't be surprised if you happened to come across a war zone in the making at Pilikula Nisargadhama. It’s the training camp for the National Cadet Corps (NCC) of Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu who are under training from Friday February 1 to Sunday February 10, led by Karnataka Air Squadron Group Commandant Colonel G R Reddy. 

Around 450 NCC cadets, both men and women of army including air and naval wings from 13 colleges, are undergoing rifle training and adventure sports in a mute war zone-like situation in the hilly terrains of Pilikula. While there are 300 cadets in the junior section (high school-level), there are 150 cadets in the senior division.

A special village between the hillocks near picturesque Pilikula Nisargadhama is at present housing 450 NCC cadets and 50 staff.  Tents have have been put up for their lodging while separate arrangements have been made for food, bathing etc. 

Their day starts are 6 am with an assembly near the flag pole under the leadership of the commandent.  The day continues with NCC flag salute, jogging, breakfast, classes, rifle shooting training etc.  In the evening the cadets visit the biological park and the science centre at Pilikula before concluding the daily activities with the NCC theme song. There are cultural programmes almost every night.