PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Nainital
National Cadet Corps (NCC) girl cadets participating in the Most Enterprising Naval Unit (MENU) Camp-2026 of the 5 UK Naval Unit NCC, Nainital, completed a 27-kilometre sailing expedition on Naini lake on Monday, taking the total distance covered during the first eight days of the camp to 209.5 kilometre.
The camp, being conducted from August 17 to 26 in Nainital, is being attended by 60 NCC cadets—35 SD and 25 SW. Organised by the 5 UK Naval Unit of NCC, the camp is aimed at developing leadership, discipline, courage, teamwork, endurance and a sense of social responsibility among naval NCC cadets. Sailing and seamanship form the core of the camp, supported by adventure training, life-saving skills, swimming, firing, mountaineering, environmental conservation and community-awareness activities. The camp has also incorporated activities designed to connect NCC training with the local community and environment. These have included Naini Lake conservation and cleanliness drives, plastic-awareness campaigns, nukkad nataks, plantation, heritage visits, trekking and mountaineering activities.
Commanding officer of 5 UK Naval Unit NCC, captain Mridul Shah said that the sailing expedition was providing cadets with practical experience in teamwork, coordination, leadership and decision-making in real conditions. He said that the participation of the girl cadets in the 27-kilometre expedition demonstrated their endurance, confidence and ability to perform under demanding circumstances.
Kumaon range inspector general Nivedita Kukreti visited the camp and interacted with the cadets, observed the training activities and encouraged them to make the best use of the opportunities provided through NCC. Kukreti particularly addressed the girl cadets, emphasising the importance of women’s empowerment, self-confidence and leadership. She encouraged them to challenge conventional limitations, take responsibility and develop the confidence to lead from the front.
She exhorted the young cadets to become role models for other girls and contribute meaningfully to society.
