Jammu, November 10, 2026: Major General Mukesh Sharma has assumed charge as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, outlining an ambitious vision to expand NCC outreach, empower young cadets and modernise training across the two Union Territories.
Upon his arrival in Jammu on Tuesday, Major General Sharma was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by cadets of 8 JK Girls Battalion NCC.
Addressing mediapersons after taking charge, the senior Army officer outlined his priorities under the theme “Envision and Evolve: Empowering Youth, Strengthening NCC, Building the Nation.”
Major General Sharma expressed his commitment to building upon the achievements of his predecessors while introducing fresh ideas to strengthen the organisation.
“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.
Emphasising the NCC’s guiding principles of “Unity and Discipline,” he highlighted the organisation’s vital role in developing confident, disciplined and responsible young citizens equipped with leadership qualities and a spirit of national service.
Focus on Expanding NCC in Border and Remote Areas
One of Major General Sharma’s primary objectives is to expand NCC activities to more schools and colleges, particularly in remote, rural and border regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
He stressed that geographical challenges should not prevent young people from accessing the opportunities offered by the NCC.
The initiative aims to provide more students with exposure to disciplined training, leadership development, adventure activities and character-building programmes.
Special Emphasis on Empowering Girl Cadets
Highlighting the importance of empowering young women, Major General Sharma praised the remarkable achievement of 20 girl cadets who successfully crossed the 5,578-metre-high Parang La Pass during the Aparajita Expedition.
Describing the expedition as a shining example of courage, determination and leadership, he said the Directorate would continue creating opportunities for girl cadets to demonstrate their capabilities and achieve excellence.
He emphasised that empowering young women through challenging activities and leadership opportunities would remain a major priority.
Modernising NCC Training and Strengthening Partnerships
Major General Sharma also stressed the need to modernise NCC training to make it more contemporary, relevant and engaging for today’s youth.
He highlighted the importance of teamwork and stronger collaboration with educational institutions, civil administration and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of NCC programmes.
The proposed approach seeks to ensure that NCC cadets receive meaningful training experiences that prepare them for leadership responsibilities and future challenges.
Message to NCC Cadets: Dream Big and Stay Away from Drugs
Delivering a motivational message to young cadets, Major General Sharma encouraged them to remain physically fit, develop new skills and maintain a disciplined lifestyle.
“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 also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of NCC officers, instructors and staff working at the grassroots level to guide and mentor young cadets.
Major General Sharma sought continued cooperation from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, educational institutions, parents and the media in strengthening NCC activities.
The NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh plays an important role in providing military-oriented training, leadership development, adventure opportunities and community service experiences to students across the two Union Territories.
With Major General Sharma assuming charge, the Directorate is expected to place renewed emphasis on expanding opportunities for youth in remote and border regions, increasing participation among girl cadets and strengthening the NCC’s contribution to nation-building.
