NCC's badge of courage keeps her grief in check

NEWDELHI: Every year, as NCC cadets march in matching steps on Republic Day, thesynchrony pleases the eye. But among the undifferentiated mass of marchers aretales of individual cadets that are hidden by the pomp of theparade.For 13-year-old Ngashepam Diana Chanu of North EastDirectorate, marching in the parade gave her the opportunity to board a trainfor the first time in her life. "I had only seen trains on television, now Ihave finally boarded one. I am so happy. I got to cross cities whose names I hadonly heard of,'' Chanu exclaimed.The contingent of cadets comes tothe Capital each year for a month-long training as part of the NCC Republic DayCamp 2009. Each one of the participating boy and girl, make several journeys tobe part of the camp.Another participant, 17-year-old Rhythm Wariklost her father three days ago but took the brave decision to stay back for theparade, for that was her father's dream. For Rhythm, a first year BSc student ofSmt Parvatibai Chowgule College Madgaon, participating in the Republic Dayparade meant a lot."After my uncle broke the news to me on themorning of 7th, I called up my mother. Without a moment's hesitation, she saidthat since I had worked so hard for the Republic Day parade, I should completethe month-long camp. She told me if I returned, my father would never forgiveme,'' said Rhythm, her voice choking on the thought.Lt Col V S NVasista, commander of the Karnataka and Goa Directorate to which Rhythm belongs,praised the girl's courage. "On the night of January 7 itself, she was ironingher clothes for the next day parade. She is an inspiration for these youngleaders.''For those coming from humble backgrounds, entry into theNCC is the only way to dream big. Amrendra Kumar (14), son of a washerman fromVaishali district in Bihar, says that participation in the Republic Day NCC Campis a badge of great pride. "Marching at Rajpath with the world watching you issomething no one in my family would have dreamt of. I am happy to make my familyproud and hope to do same for my country.''For 16-year-old JigtmetLundup from Leh, the long journey to be part of the parade was difficult. "Lifein that part of the world is tough. I have worked terribly hard to participatein the parade. It will get me special consideration when I apply for a job backhome.''For these young Indians, the fight against odds to be in theparade is part of the training to become disciplined and patriotic citizens.Quite a requirement in these troubled times.