The Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path has our nation’s troops marching to the song “Kadam kadam badhaye ja.” Alongside them were a few DU students who created history by saluting President Droupadi Murmu on January 26. They will also take part in the Prime Minister’s rally at Delhi cantonment’s Cariappa Parade Ground on January 27. Today, NCC Delhi’s two all-girl contingents marched down Kartavya Path.
Some of these are DU students, who will support PM Narendra Modi by marching in the Prime Minister’s Rally. These young people, filled with pride, express how happy they are to be a part of the first NCC contingent made up entirely of women. Two contingents were chosen for training at the NCC camp; each contingent included 148 cadets and 21 students from Delhi University.
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Delhi University’s Special Exam Concession for Republic Day Participants
STUDENTS EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE TOWARDS THEIR SELECTION FOR THE REPUBLIC DAY PARADE
According to Dyal Singh College student Shivani Shukla, “There are only three career options for girls in my hometown of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh: teacher, doctor, or collector.” But my journey was never the same. When my parents saw how committed I was, they changed their minds about me entering the NCC. They have let me follow my ambition and expressed their pride in me now that I know I’ll be walking in the Republic Day Parade and the PM Rally.
Shambhavi Singh, an Aditi Mahavidyalay student, states: “I replied yes when my senior in college asked if I wanted to watch the Republic Day parade one day. I was then informed about Republic Day Camp by her. I applied, gave an audition, and was chosen. Then the diligent work and daily practice started. It gave me discipline lessons and demonstrated the power of women. I’m proud to march with the first-ever all-female NCC contingent and to prove to the rest of the world that women are capable of anything.
A student from Mata Sundri College for Women Aarushi Sharma says, “I am honoured to continue the tradition of representing my college with the Delhi contingent of the NCC.” “Every year, students from our college are chosen to attend Republic Day Camp; but, this year, I am the only one chosen. I am thus marching not only for my college but also for myself. I hope that my example will encourage other ladies who may be frightened to join the NCC. Considering our position, I hope more girls are inspired to pursue careers in this area.”
DELHI GOVERNMENT FORMS COMMITTEE TO FACILITATE STUDENTS’ PARTICIPATION ON REPUBLIC DAY
Rajdhani College student Kanika Bhardwaj states, “I was really surprised to be chosen for the contingent. Because of my diminutive stature, I had also competed the previous year but was not chosen. “Iss saal mera josh dekh kar mujhe choose kiya gaya?”. The credit for this belongs to Havaldar Ugam Singh Bhati, our drill instructor, who inspired and drove me to maintain my composure. My current goal is to enlist in the Officers Training Academy and pursue a career in the military following graduation from college.
