In a vibrant celebration of youth excellence and leadership, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army hosted the NCC Best Cadets Award Ceremony 2025 at the Albert Ekka Auditorium, Vijay Durg, Kolkata. This event took place under the empowering theme of #ShashaktYuva, recognizing outstanding cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) units across West Bengal, Sikkim, and the North Eastern Region.
Presided over by Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, the Army Commander of the Eastern Command, the ceremony honored cadets who demonstrated exemplary dedication, discipline, and leadership. In his keynote address, Lt Gen Tiwari praised the NCC’s vital role in nation-building and youth development. He emphasized its impact on nurturing “selfless leadership, strong values, and a #NationFirst mindset.”
Among the highlights of the event, the coveted Best Cadet Awards 2025 were presented to Senior Wing (SW) Air Cadet Jyoti Halder and Senior Division (SD) Army Cadet Rupam Baidya, both hailing from the West Bengal & Sikkim Directorate. Their awards recognized exceptional performance in training, academics, and community service.
Additionally, rolling trophies were awarded to the top-performing NCC units, celebrating their collective achievements. The ceremony included a formal parade inspection, certificate distribution, and an interactive session in which cadets engaged directly with senior Army officers, strengthening the bonds of mentorship and camaraderie.
With cadets proudly donning their ceremonial uniforms, the event showcased the diversity, unity, and spirit of service that defines the NCC. A significant emphasis was made on women empowerment through the #NaariShakti initiative, with several female cadets recognized for their excellence and leadership potential.
The NCC Directorate of West Bengal & Sikkim, headquartered in New Alipore, Kolkata, oversees 54 units across 267 colleges and 841 schools, boasting an active enrollment of over 101,278 cadets. The ceremony underscored the Directorate’s critical role in shaping confident and disciplined citizens dedicated to national service.
Set in the historic Albert Ekka Auditorium, named after the Param Vir Chakra awardee, the ceremony concluded with a collective pledge to continue fostering youth leadership, discipline, and patriotic values. The Indian Army reaffirmed its commitment to building a strong, capable, and united future through platforms such as the NCC.
