A Peep Into defense Forces
I was one among three from Kerala and Lakshadweep Directorate, lucky enough to get selected for the Army Attachment Camp at OTA (Officers Training Academy) Chennai. This is only center in India where lady cadets are trained for Army. First of all, I record my heartfelt thanks to the OTA and the NCC directorate and unit for giving me a chance to be a part of the Army for atleast; a few days. In our mind the term ‘Army’ stands for bravery, discipline and selfless service towards our mother country. It was the first and foremost chance we got to have a close interaction with the army.
We had three cadets from each state representing their Directories. We had a golden opportunity to meet some of the cadets undergoing army training. Among them there were several Malayalees. We participated in a variety of activities there. We had horse-riding, obstacle training, swimming, short cane and sword drill and firing. We were lucky enough to fire with INSAS, the latest weapon used by the Indian Army and we did double trap shooting which was the event of our Olympics silver medalist Major R.V.S. Rathore. We had dinner in our ceremonial dress in the company of the most distinguished guests. We visited the Coastal Guard and Navy and Air force Institutes and many other interesting places. Everyone regarded us with great pride and respect when we wore the overcoats of OTA.
As there were representatives from every state we tasted almost all the variety of Indian dishes. We had cultural programmes from each state. We could interact with many of the ranked officers in Army, Navy and Air force. I was really surprised that one of the officers was from Cochin. Though they looked strict and harsh in their uniforms, they talked to us in a friendly manner. We began to get very much attracted to this environment and to its routine. But soon it was time to pack up. As an NCC cadet, I had the chance to peep into this disciplined, brave world even before joining the Army. From the gateway of OTA, I could feel the breath of our great soldiers and the whole atmosphere was reminiscent of their enthusiasm. Before leaving the camp each cadet took a pledge that we would return to this soil and get commissioned. That was the motivation injected into our hearts by the training at OTA. I pray to God Almighty for his grace, to help me fulfill my dream.
We had three cadets from each state representing their Directories. We had a golden opportunity to meet some of the cadets undergoing army training. Among them there were several Malayalees. We participated in a variety of activities there. We had horse-riding, obstacle training, swimming, short cane and sword drill and firing. We were lucky enough to fire with INSAS, the latest weapon used by the Indian Army and we did double trap shooting which was the event of our Olympics silver medalist Major R.V.S. Rathore. We had dinner in our ceremonial dress in the company of the most distinguished guests. We visited the Coastal Guard and Navy and Air force Institutes and many other interesting places. Everyone regarded us with great pride and respect when we wore the overcoats of OTA.
As there were representatives from every state we tasted almost all the variety of Indian dishes. We had cultural programmes from each state. We could interact with many of the ranked officers in Army, Navy and Air force. I was really surprised that one of the officers was from Cochin. Though they looked strict and harsh in their uniforms, they talked to us in a friendly manner. We began to get very much attracted to this environment and to its routine. But soon it was time to pack up. As an NCC cadet, I had the chance to peep into this disciplined, brave world even before joining the Army. From the gateway of OTA, I could feel the breath of our great soldiers and the whole atmosphere was reminiscent of their enthusiasm. Before leaving the camp each cadet took a pledge that we would return to this soil and get commissioned. That was the motivation injected into our hearts by the training at OTA. I pray to God Almighty for his grace, to help me fulfill my dream.
Article By: M.S. Divya, St.Teresa’s College
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