Major General Mukesh Sharma Takes Over Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh NCC Directorate, Prioritises Remote-Area Outreach
Jammu, November 10, 2026: Major General Mukesh Sharma has taken over as Additional Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, setting out plans to widen access to NCC activities, strengthen opportunities for girl cadets and update training for young people.
On arriving in Jammu on Tuesday, he was received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour presented by cadets of 8 JK Girls Battalion NCC. Speaking to mediapersons after assuming charge, he described his priorities under the theme “Envision and Evolve: Empowering Youth, Strengthening NCC, Building the Nation.”
Major General Sharma said he intended to build on the work of his predecessors while bringing fresh ideas to the Directorate. “It is a privilege to lead the Directorate and I look forward to building upon the achievements of my predecessors and contributing to the continued growth and strengthening of the NCC with renewed focus, fresh ideas and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.
He also highlighted the NCC’s guiding principles of “Unity and Discipline”, saying the organisation helps young people become confident, disciplined and responsible citizens, while developing leadership qualities and a spirit of national service.
Extending opportunities to remote and border areas
A key priority for the new ADG is to bring NCC activities to more schools and colleges, especially in remote, rural and border parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He said distance and geography should not prevent young people from accessing the opportunities the organisation provides.
Wider access would give more students the chance to take part in disciplined training, leadership development, adventure activities and character-building programmes.
Creating opportunities for girl cadets
Major General Sharma singled out the achievement of 20 girl cadets who crossed the 5,578-metre-high Parang La Pass during the Aparajita Expedition. He described their accomplishment as an example of courage, determination and leadership.
He said the Directorate would continue to create opportunities for girl cadets to demonstrate their abilities and pursue excellence. Providing young women with challenging activities and leadership opportunities, he added, would remain a major priority.
Updating training and building partnerships
The new ADG called for NCC training to be made more contemporary, relevant and engaging for today’s youth. He also stressed the value of teamwork and closer collaboration with educational institutions, the civil administration and other stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of NCC programmes.
The aim, he said, is to provide cadets with meaningful training experiences that prepare them for leadership responsibilities and future challenges.
Message to cadets
In his message to cadets, Major General Sharma urged them to stay physically fit, learn new skills and lead disciplined lives. “Envision and Evolve. Dream big, embrace challenges, remain physically fit, stay away from drugs and continuously develop your skills. Remember, NCC is not merely about uniforms, drills and parades; it is about building character, leadership and responsible citizens,” he said.
He acknowledged the work of NCC officers, instructors and staff at the grassroots level, who guide and mentor cadets. He also sought continued support from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, educational institutions, parents and the media to strengthen NCC activities.
The NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh provides students across the two Union Territories with military-oriented training, leadership development, adventure opportunities and experience in community service. Under Major General Sharma, the Directorate is expected to place renewed focus on reaching young people in remote and border areas, increasing opportunities for girl cadets and strengthening the NCC’s contribution to nation-building.
