Impeccable appearance in uniform, synchronized drill movements, crisp word of command and future aspirations reflecting as a glimmer in eyes to serve as a soldier, these are the attributes one notices in NCC cadets in the valley of Kashmir. Usually, such introductions are associated with the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi but the same can be witnessed during a march past by the NCC Cadets of Keran village.

Keran happens to be a small village in the remotest part of Kupwara district in the UT of J&K. These NCC cadets from this small village are the source of inspiration for all other young students in the area. Almost every young student in this area aspires to get the recognition and appreciation that these NCC cadets receive every time they perform an excellent drill parade during an event. These cadets have become the true ambassadors of the new generation which is turning the tide in the valley developing a society with a spirit of selfless service towards the nation.

Raised on 15 July 1948 the National Cadet Corps (NCC) came into existence through the National Cadet Corps Act of 1948. It was raised to nurture the qualities of discipline, character, courage and the spirit of selfless service among the youth. Since its raising, the NCC has transformed thousands of young students into citizens with discipline, character and a spirit of selfless service towards in the nation. It has also encouraged many young students to take up careers in the Armed forces. In the valley too, the NCC is nurturing much-needed qualities like discipline, character and patriotism in the younger generation.

The UT of J&K is witnessing remarkable efforts by the Indian Army, which is consistently working towards the empowerment of the residents and Keran is no exception. The men in uniform in Keran have been putting in diligent efforts in the field of education, health, sports and employment generation. While on one hand, the Army is empowering the locals in all aspects and on the other hand it has also taken up an initiative to develop patriotic fervor among the locals. Installation of a 72 ft monumental National Flag Mast right at the Line of Control in Keran is a vibrant example of the same.

Among all these great efforts, the NCC batch in Keran sector is marking a great shift in time and it holds incredible significance. The NCC cadets in this area are seen as the symbol of discipline, honour and patriotism. They are an inseparable part of the society of this border village. They represent a change in times which is constantly growing and contributing towards building a better society in future. When this young generation of Keran will go on to become responsible citizens in the future, then character and patriotism will become an inherent part of the society that these cadets will form.

Molding a young mind is much easier than an old one, just like a sportsman who has to be trained right from his younger days to achieve greatness in his game. These NCC cadets from Keran village are similar to the sportsmen as they are also being nurtured in their younger days for a brighter future in tomorrow’s J&K. The previous generation of the valley has seen terrorism at its peak. Today’s generation has witnessed both, the dying phase of terrorism and also the tremendous efforts from the Indian army and the administration to empower the residents, however, the youngest generation in the valley today is witnessing the results of the government’s initiative for the overall growth of the state and insurgency is almost a history for them. This has created a positive environment for the younger generation to grow and develop and that is why there is a need to protect these young minds and NCC can play a vital role in doing so.

In earlier times when social media and technology were not easily accessible, it was very easy for the anti-nationals to target young minds. Today with the fast-growing infrastructure development and technological advancements propelled by the government’s positive initiatives can reach young minds through social media and smartphones quite easily compared to the earlier times. Similarly, the NCC is positively nurturing young minds while eradicating any possibility of influence by anti-state elements. Therefore, in the upcoming years, the society of J&K will have much stronger social fiber knitted with patriotic emotions.

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Keran got its first NCC cadets’ batch two years ago. Initially transforming the children into disciplined NCC cadets was not easy. A lot of efforts were put in by the team of army personnel and the spirit to earn a uniform among the kids made it possible to transform the children of a remote border village into a contingent of well-trained NCC cadets. Since then, the wheel started turning and today in Keran a total of 48 school going students have been enrolled and transformed into motivated NCC cadets.

The sense of achievement and pride of being an NCC cadet is visible in every part of their life. The way they speak, the way they walk and even the way they play cricket in their village. This quality makes them distinguished from other children of their age group. It will not be an exaggeration to say that the way of life to which NCC has aspired most of them into being future soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces. The young NCC cadets are already an inspiration for others in the area and in future most of them will also fulfill their dream of serving in the Indian Armed Forces. On the day they will return to their village after earning that uniform, they will also be filling the long-felt void due to the absence of role models in the society. The NCC is a constructive instrument of change for both the present and the future. These cadets in the valley are a matter of pride and are the architects of the future society. They will not only strengthen the social fiber of J&K but also will be a befitting answer to the notorious propaganda by all the anti-national elements against our county. NCC can play a vital role in achieving the national aim of integrity and unity and therefore it can be made a compulsory part of schooling in J&K. Increasing the number of NCC battalions in the valley and the presence of the Indian Army will contribute enormously to achieving this aim. Molding these young minds of the valley for nation-building through NCC training will certainly be an assurance for the valley’s brighter tomorrow.

“The new generation of Kashmir is like a rising tide, unstoppable and powerful. They are breaking down the walls of hatred and division, and building a brighter future for their homeland.”