• 342 NCC cadets from across India participate in 12-day Srinagar camp
• Multi-faith prayers at SarvDharm Sthal mark inauguration of SNIC 2026
Srinagar: A contingent of 342 NCC cadets and Associate NCC Officers (ANOs) representing every State and Union Territory of the country arrived in Srinagar to participate in the 12-day Special National Integration Camp (SNIC) being organised by NCC Group Srinagar under the aegis of the Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate.
The camp commenced at the Badami Bagh Cantonment with a multi-faith prayer ceremony and lighting of lamps at the SarvDharm Sthal, where cadets along with Brigadier Gurbir Singh, VSM, Group Commander NCC Srinagar, offered prayers and sought blessings from all five major religions, symbolising communal harmony, unity in diversity and national integration.
Addressing the reporters, Brigadier Gurbir Singh said the concept of “SarvDharm Sthal” reflects one of the fundamental values of the Indian Armed Forces and promotes respect for every religion and community.
“In the Armed Forces, we believe in unity in diversity. We do not maintain separate places of worship but follow the concept of SarvDharm Sthal where every faith is respected equally. This spirit of inclusiveness and harmony is what we aim to inculcate among our cadets,” he said.
Speaking about the role of NCC in youth development, he said the organisation plays an important role in building confidence, discipline, adaptability and leadership qualities among students, while also strengthening their physical and mental endurance.
The Brigadier said the Special National Integration Camp aims to bring together youth from different cultural, linguistic and geographical backgrounds to strengthen brotherhood, peace and mutual understanding among the younger generation.
“This camp gives children from across India an opportunity to live together, interact and learn from each other’s traditions and cultures. The idea is to build national integration and spread the message of peace and harmony,” he said.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed cadets dressed in colourful traditional attire representing their respective states and Union Territories, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity. Their performances and interactions reflected the spirit of patriotism and cultural unity that the camp seeks to promote.
Officials said the opening day created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and camaraderie among participants, setting the tone for the 12-day programme.
Brigadier Gurbir Singh said the cadets would also be introduced to Kashmir’s culture, traditions and heritage during the camp through visits to prominent tourist and cultural destinations including Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Dal Lake.
“These children will experience Kashmir closely and understand its traditions, customs and lifestyle. When they return to their respective states, they will carry those experiences and messages of harmony back with them,” he said.
Brigadier Gurbir Singh said NCC plays a significant role in personality development by helping youth become disciplined, confident and socially responsible citizens.
“NCC training develops leadership qualities, adaptability, initiative and mental and physical endurance. These qualities help young people in every sphere of life and prepare them to become responsible citizens of the nation,” he said.
The camp will continue over the coming days with cultural programmes, adventure activities, social interaction sessions and training events promoting the NCC motto of “Unity and Discipline” while spreading the message of “Aman and Shanti”.
Apart from cultural exchanges, the camp also featured military training sessions, sports competitions, leadership exercises and interactive activities aimed at building discipline, confidence and teamwork among the cadets.
The serene surroundings of Badami Bagh Cantonment also witnessed a spirited quiz competition focused on Jammu and Kashmir and the National Cadet Corps, where cadets displayed impressive knowledge and team spirit.
Officials said the camp serves as a “mini India” by bringing together young participants from every corner of the country and encouraging them to appreciate diversity while strengthening national unity.
