Forty girl cadets from the Uttar Pradesh Directorate of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) have successfully completed an intensive eight-day tour in the remote Kumaon hills, providing them with invaluable insights into military life and the dynamics of high-altitude border living in India. This initiative was a collaborative effort between Central Command and the UP NCC Directorate, aimed at nurturing leadership, discipline, and a sense of national pride among young women, while promoting increased female participation in the Indian Armed Forces.
The journey included visits to several operational bases under the Panchshul Brigade, an essential formation tasked with safeguarding sections of the Line of Actual Control. This is particularly significant given the escalating tensions with China that followed the Galwan crisis. During their expedition, the cadets had the opportunity to engage with soldiers who operate in harsh terrains and under extreme weather conditions. They learned about the soldiers’ daily routines, the logistical hurdles faced by the military, and how high-altitude combat preparation is conducted.
A highlight of the tour was the cadets’ visit to Gunji village, a focal point of the government’s Vibrant Villages Programme. Here, they interacted with local residents and witnessed firsthand the government’s initiatives aimed at rejuvenating isolated border communities. These efforts include infrastructure development, the promotion of homestays, and cultural preservation, all designed to transform these areas into thriving tourist destinations. Launched in 2023 with an expected completion in April 2024, this initiative seeks to reduce migration and foster employment opportunities in border villages across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The immersive tour not only enhanced the cadets’ understanding of the intricate relationship between defense and community development but also underscored broader national objectives surrounding women’s empowerment and youth involvement. Currently, women make up only 3.6% of armed forces personnel, making such initiatives vital for bridging gender imbalances in military service. This tour aligns with recent reforms, including the historic inclusion of women in the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2021, and the induction of 153 female agniveers into the Indian Air Force in March 2024.
The tour was overseen by Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C of Surya Command, who had recently assessed the operational readiness of the Panchshul Brigade. His participation emphasizes the Army’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of leaders and fostering strong civil-military connections in border regions.
The combination of military exposure and community interaction has left an indelible mark on these young cadets, encouraging many to contemplate careers within the armed forces and actively contribute to nation-building, in line with the NCC’s objectives and the national vision of empowering women.
