Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Addresses Cadets at Puducherry NCC Headquarters to Promote Youth Leadership
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command of the Indian Army, paid an important visit to the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Group Headquarters in Puducherry today. This visit highlights the military's dedication to promoting discipline, leadership, and service among young people, aligning with the NCC's long-standing mission to develop responsible citizens.
Throughout his visit, Lt Gen Seth received a briefing from the Group Commander about various initiatives aimed at fostering leadership and national pride in cadets. He engaged with both the cadets and the staff, praising their commitment and encouraging them to maintain values such as loyalty, integrity, and national service. The interaction included a ceremony where the Army Commander awarded medals and certificates to recognize the cadets' achievements.
The visit also featured a ceremonial guard of honor along with a group photograph with senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcasing the tri-service nature of the NCC. Lt Gen Seth also took part in a session where refreshments were distributed, allowing him to interact with members of the local community and strengthen the connection between the military and civilians.
This event builds on the rich history of the NCC, which began in 1917 as the University Corps to fulfill military manpower needs and has grown into a voluntary organization with more than 1.5 million cadets nationwide by 2023, as reported by the Ministry of Defence. Experts note that such engagements bolster leadership skills and national unity, paralleling the Southern Command's historical contributions, including its role in the 1961 liberation of Goa and the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Lt Gen Seth's visit is considered an extension of the Southern Command's legacy of fostering national integration through youth development, reinforcing its status as the largest and most diverse command of the Indian Army, headquartered in Pune.
