Expert Guest Lectures Inspire NCC Cadets at Annual Training Camp 2026

As part of the Annual Training Camp being conducted by 1 HP Air Squadron NCC Kullu at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hamirpur, a series of expert guest lectures were organized to provide cadets with valuable insights into career opportunities, national security, leadership, and social awareness.

The first guest lecture was delivered by Colonel Shridhar Rajan, presently serving at the Army Recruiting Office (ARO), Hamirpur. A seasoned officer of the Regiment of Artillery, Colonel Rajan was commissioned into the Indian Army on 16 September 2006 and has nearly two decades of distinguished military service. During his illustrious career, he has held several prestigious command, staff, and instructional appointments, including Commanding Officer of 35 Field Regiment, GSO-1 (Intelligence) at Headquarters 25 Infantry Division, ADC to the General Officer Commanding at Headquarters 14 Corps, and Company Commander & Instructor at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai. A recipient of the GOC-in-C, Central Command Commendation Card, Colonel Rajan addressed the Senior Division cadets on various entry schemes into the Indian Army. He motivated the cadets to prepare themselves physically, mentally, and academically to pursue a career in the Armed Forces while emphasizing the values of discipline, integrity, and leadership.

The second session was conducted by Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar Singh, a highly decorated veteran with over 27 years of distinguished service in the Indian Army. Having served for 14 years with the elite 4 PARA (Special Forces), three years with the National Security Guard (NSG), and another three years with the Ministry of External Affairs, Subedar Major Singh shared his rich operational experience and inspired the cadets with real-life examples of courage, dedication, and sacrifice. He delivered an informative lecture on the Agniveer Entry Scheme, explaining the eligibility criteria, selection process, training, career prospects, and the importance of maintaining physical fitness and determination to succeed in military service.

The final guest lecture was delivered by Superintendent of Police Balbir Singh, who has served the Himachal Pradesh Police in various important assignments across Shimla, Mandi, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Dharamshala. Addressing the cadets, SP Balbir Singh spoke extensively on the growing menace of drug abuse and stressed the importance of leading a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. He also educated the cadets about responsible traffic behaviour, road safety regulations, and the increasing threat of cyber fraud. Through practical examples, he encouraged the cadets to remain vigilant, become responsible digital citizens, and spread awareness within society regarding cybercrime prevention and anti-drug initiatives.

The interactive sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation from the NCC cadets, who actively engaged with the speakers and sought guidance on career opportunities, personal development, and national service. The lectures greatly enriched the training camp by exposing the cadets to the experiences and expertise of distinguished professionals from the Armed Forces and Civil Administration, further strengthening the core NCC values of unity, discipline, character, and selfless service.

Adding another dimension to the camp's spirit of community service, a voluntary blood donation drive was also conducted in parallel with the training activities in collaboration with the health authorities. The initiative received an overwhelming response from the NCC cadets and camp staff, resulting in the collection of 31 units of blood. The successful blood donation drive reflected the humanitarian values and social commitment of the NCC, reinforcing its motto of selfless service to the nation and society.