Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Southern Command, made a significant visit to the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Group Headquarters in Puducherry today. The visit underscores the military’s ongoing commitment to fostering discipline, leadership, and a spirit of service among the youth, aligning with the NCC’s century-long legacy of shaping responsible citizens.
During the visit, Lt Gen Seth was briefed by the Group Commander on various initiatives designed to instill leadership qualities and national pride among cadets. He engaged directly with the cadets and staff, commending their dedication and urging them to uphold values of loyalty, integrity, and service to the nation. The event featured a formal interaction where the Army Commander presented awards and certificates, symbolizing recognition of the cadets’ efforts.
The visit included a ceremonial guard of honor and a group photograph with senior military officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflecting the tri-service nature of the NCC. A notable moment was the distribution of refreshments, where Lt Gen Seth mingled with local community members, further bridging the gap between the military and civilian spheres.
This engagement builds on the NCC’s historical roots, which trace back to 1917 when it began as the University Corps to address military manpower needs, evolving into a voluntary program with over 1.5 million cadets nationwide by 2023, according to the Ministry of Defence. Experts suggest that such interactions enhance leadership skills and national unity, drawing parallels to the Southern Command’s past contributions, including the 1961 liberation of Goa and the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Lt Gen Seth’s visit is seen as a continuation of the Southern Command’s tradition of national integration through youth development, reinforcing its role as the largest and most diverse command of the Indian Army, headquartered in Pune.
