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An extraordinary cultural showcase unfolded at the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat – 1/25” National Camp in Koderma, highlighting India’s rich tapestry of traditions and the spirit of national integration. Organized under the auspices of the Bihar and Jharkhand NCC Directorate and guided by Brigadier S. Gopi Krishnan (SM), Group Commander of HQ Hazaribagh, and led by Colonel Vijay Kumar (SM), Commanding Officer of 45 Jharkhand Battalion NCC, the 12-day event featured a grand cultural program on its 11th day. The event commenced with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Mrs. Manoj Thakur, Head of the Project at Koderma Thermal Power Station.
The camp brought together 601 NCC cadets from five key Indian states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Their performances vibrantly depicted the nation’s cultural unity, national integration, and the confident spirit of its youth. The chief guest, Brigadier Abhijit Sharma, Deputy Director General NCC, Bihar-Jharkhand Directorate, lauded the cadets’ talent, dedication, and discipline. He emphasized that “India’s greatest strength lies in its unity amidst diversity, and institutions like the NCC keep this spirit alive.”
Attendees included Brigadier S. Gopi Krishnan (SM), Camp Commandant; Manoj Thakur, Head of Project, Koderma Thermal Power Station; Sukhmoy Nayak, Deputy General Manager (HR), KTPS; Dr. Ayodhya Kumar, Principal, Government Polytechnic Koderma; and Lemanshu Kumar, City Manager, Jhumri Tilaiya Municipality. All distinguished guests were honored with mementos by the chief guest.
Cadets captivated the audience with group songs, group dances, solo dances, and solo songs, bringing to life the folk cultures, traditions, and patriotism of various Indian states. The performances filled the venue with patriotism, harmony, and cultural camaraderie. Brigadier Abhijit Sharma further recognized outstanding cadets, Girls Cadre Instructors, Associate NCC Officers, and permanent instructors with mementos, trophies, and medals. Camp Commandant Brigadier S. Gopi Krishnan and Deputy Camp Commandant Vijay Kumar presented a memento to the chief guest, expressing their gratitude.
Adding to the cultural splendor, popular singer Naveen Jain Pandey from Jhumri Tilaiya enthralled the gathering with regional Jharkhand songs and patriotic numbers, earning him a memento from Brigadier Abhijit Sharma. Colonel Vijay Kumar also presented mementos to Ajay Agarwal (Director, Chlorophyll School), Dilip Singh (District Public Relations Officer), Vikas Kumar Seth, and Ajit Kumar.
Lieutenant Santosh Kumar, Nodal Officer and NCC Officer, concluded the program by extending thanks to all supporting entities. Special acknowledgments were made to the Municipality for sanitation services and Koderma Thermal Power Station for facilitating educational tours for the cadets, alongside appreciation for the permanent instructors, JCOs, NCOs, NCC Officers, Girls Cadre Instructors, and all staff of the 45 Jharkhand Battalion.
The successful organization of the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat – 1/25” National Camp served as a powerful symbol of cultural harmony, youth leadership, self-discipline, and national unity. The participation of 601 cadets unequivocally demonstrated that the youth are the foundation of a stronger India.
