My Journey Into the NCC: From Dreams to Reality
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Abhishek Choudhury 25CSMB02 B.Sc., Department of Physical Sciences, School of Computational & Physical Sciences Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University) |
Everyone has specific dreams to be accomplished, and for me, it's always been the National Cadet Corps. It feels surreal and unexpected to be part of something I always dreamt of. I woke up on the day of selection semi-confident and mostly nervous. I would be lying if I said I wasn't mentally prepared. The only clear vision in my mind was to get past every hurdle coming my way and be in the uniform, standing in the troop that I had looked up to for a long time.
We started with a one-kilometre run in four minutes. I don't know whether I should consider it my luck factor or my determination; I cleared off the first kilometre in three minutes. Then we were asked to do push-ups. The highest went up to twenty. After each round, there was a point of selection of candidates to be sent to the next round. Each time that period came into play, my heart skipped a beat. This was followed by sit-ups, which went to a maximum of thirty-five. The total strength that had come for the selection was around 150-170 initially, which was reduced to such a great extent by the end of these three rounds. The shuttle run followed it. The maximum limit is up to twenty. With all the strength I had, I could go up to seventeen. At that point, it hit me for the first time: what if this single reason would cost me my dream? However, when the result came in, I was relieved that I had been selected for the final written exam round.
Looking back, I feel the exam was the easier part. I was pretty confident that I would be able to clear this round. I returned home exhausted. Some of us were called in for the final round interview a day or two later. I was one of the luckiest, or rather, one of the worthy ones who got in.
Being in the NCC is more than just wearing a uniform; it is about discipline, teamwork, and courage. I have already begun to notice subtle but powerful changes in myself—whether it's waking up early, or taking more responsibility in everyday activities. The pride of saluting, marching in step with my fellow cadets, and feeling the weight of belonging to something greater than myself is beyond words. This journey has not only shaped my college life but has also prepared me for the future. Each day as a cadet brings lessons in perseverance, leadership, and respect. Looking ahead, I feel excited about the opportunities, the camps, and the challenges that lie before me, because I know they will help me grow mentally and physically stronger. This is not just a dream fulfilled but also the beginning of many more dreams I now dare to pursue.
So here, as I wind up, I can proudly say that now I am a cadet of the NCC. So far, it has been my favourite day in college and the best experience that I've had. Lastly, I can't wait to be a part of all the episodes we have in the academic year and my college life ahead.