The Defence Minister
Shri George Fernandes has lauded the National Cadet Corps (NCC)
for spontaneous and selfless service rendered by them in natural
calamity. Addressing the cadets at the Annual Republic Day NCC
Camp here today, he appreciated the efforts of the NCC in producing
a reservoir of disciplined and patriotic citizens. Shri Fernandes
specially mentioned the role played by the NCC Cadets to create
a sense of national integration in Gujarat after the recent Godhra
incident.
Earlier at an
impressive investiture ceremony he awarded Raksha Mantri Padak
to cadet Jitender Kumar Singh of 54 UP Battalion NCC, who on Oct
24, 2001 at Kanpur saved the life of a gentleman cadet Kapil Dev
Singh of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun from criminals. The
Defence Minister also presented a Raksha Mantri Commendation Card,
posthumously for an act of bravery done on May 23, 2002 at Agra
by Late Senior Under Officer Rishi Kumar of 1 UP Battalion who
prevented criminal elements from molesting a girl in the market
place. While Rishi Kumar’s act saved the girl, the eve teasers
shot him and he succumbed to his injuries on Jun 06, 2002. The
award was received by the father of the late cadet Shri Rishi
Kumar. On his arrival at the camp the Defence Minister was presented
a Guard of Honour by smartly turned out cadets of the NCC.
Defence Minister
also visited the Flag Area, the Motivation Hall, Blood Donation
Camp, the Aero & Ship Modeling and witnessed a short cultural
programme during his visit to the camp.
