Jaswinder Singh Sandhu
Firozepur, 13 October :13 Punjab Battalion NCC, part of NCC Group Ludhiana proudly organized a visit of 187 cadets to the historic Asal Uttar War Memorial in Punjab, under the ambit of the Vibrant Village Programme-II. This initiative, aligned with the Government of India’s vision to foster tourism, development and patriotism in border areas, aims to inspire young minds, promote national pride, and strengthen community engagement in vibrant villages. The Battle of Asal Uttar marked a pivotal victory in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, showcasing strategic brilliance and heroism. The Asal Uttar War Memorial, a tribute to the valour and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, served as a poignant backdrop for the cadets’ visit. Here also lies the grave of Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, recipient of India’s highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra, for his valour in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. The visit was designed to instil values of courage, leadership, and unity while connecting the young cadets with India’s rich military heritage. The cadets, representing 13 Punjab Battalion and 25 Punjab Battalion are attending a 12-day Army Attachment Camp with the Golden Arrow Division to gain firsthand experience of military life, gaining exposure to tactics, weaponry, and discipline through activities like weapon handling, military drill, obstacle courses, and military training. During the visit, they participated in a series of activities, including a guided tour of the memorial, interactive sessions on the historic Battle of Asal Uttar, and engagements with local communities under the Vibrant Village Programme-II. The cadets paid homage to the Bravehearts of the 1965 war and laid wreaths at the memorial.
The Vibrant Village Programme-II, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, focuses on holistic development of border villages through infrastructure enhancement, socio-economic growth, and cultural preservation. By involving NCC cadets, the programme seeks to nurture a sense of responsibility among the youth towards nation-building and community service in these strategically important areas. This visit would boost the tourism potential and promote the local culture and heritage of these villages.
The visit to Asal Uttar War Memorial under the Vibrant Village Programme-II was a unique opportunity for our NCC cadets to connect with our nation’s history and contribute to the development of border areas. These young leaders are the torchbearers of our country’s future, and such initiatives help shape their character and commitment to the nation.
