Hamirpur, 06 July 2026:The ten-day Annual Training Camp (ATC-223), organised by the 1 Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, commenced with great enthusiasm and ceremonial splendour at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hamirpur. The camp is being conducted from 05 July to 14 July 2026 and has brought together 550 NCC cadets from various educational institutions across Himachal Pradesh.

The camp was formally inaugurated by Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer and Camp Commandant of the 1 Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu. On the occasion, cadets of the Senior Division (SD) and Senior Wing (SW) presented an impressive Guard of Honour in recognition of his leadership.

Addressing the cadets during the inaugural ceremony, Wing Commander Kunal Sharma highlighted that the primary objective of the Annual Training Camp is to nurture discipline, leadership, self-reliance, teamwork, national integration, and patriotism among the youth. He emphasised that the camp will provide cadets with practical exposure to the military way of life, the functioning of the Indian Air Force, and the core values and ethos of the National Cadet Corps.

He further informed that throughout the camp, cadets will undergo comprehensive training in drill, aeromodelling, weapon handling, firefighting, disaster management, map reading, personality development, leadership, and a wide range of specialised and general subjects through expert lectures and practical sessions. In addition, group activities, cultural programmes, and adventure training will form an integral part of the camp curriculum.

This year's ATC-223 is witnessing the participation of 550 cadets from the Senior Division (SD), Senior Wing (SW), Junior Division (JD), and Junior Wing (JW), representing 20 educational institutions functioning under the 1 Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu.

Under the Senior Division and Senior Wing, cadets from Government College Kullu, Vallabh Government College Mandi, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Hamirpur, and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi are participating in the training.

Cadets from the Junior Division and Junior Wing represent Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Kullu; Government Senior Secondary Schools at Jari, Panarsa, Sainj, Pandoh, and Sultanpur; Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bandrol; LMS Kelheli; Delhi Public School, Manali; Kendriya Vidyalaya NHPC Sainj; DAV Public School, Manali; CIS Kullu; DAV CPS Mandi; DAV LKB Shimla; Kendriya Vidyalaya Ramshila; and DAV Public School, Mohal.

To ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of the camp, 10 Associate NCC Officers (ANOs) have been appointed. These include Flying Officer Nishchal Sharma, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman, First Officer Ram Lal, Second Officer Chandrashekhar, Karam Chand, Gaurav, Vinay, Hardev Deshta, Suman, and Uday Singh Kanwar. Supporting them in administration, discipline, and cadet welfare are CTOs Nagendra, Ramesh, Sanjeev, and Ajay, who are rendering valuable services throughout the camp.

The Permanent Instructor Staff comprises Junior Warrant Officer Kiran Kumar, Junior Warrant Officer Devilal Choudhary, along with experienced Indian Air Force Sergeants and Corporals, who are imparting specialised military training. Camp Senior Cadet Abhishek is also playing an active role in the overall management and successful execution of the camp.

A wide range of competitions, team-building activities, cultural performances, and adventure-based training programmes have been incorporated into the camp to ensure the holistic development of every cadet. The training aims to strengthen discipline, leadership qualities, social responsibility, national integration, and the spirit of selfless service to the nation, enabling cadets to emerge as responsible citizens and capable nation-builders.

Reflecting the NCC motto, "Unity and Discipline," the Annual Training Camp stands as a significant and inspiring initiative dedicated to the all-round development of young minds, character building, and the cultivation of committed, visionary leaders devoted to the service and progress of the nation.