NCC Director-General Lt. Gen. Virendra Vats Announces New Training Initiatives and Focus on Gender Balance

Lieutenant General Virendra Vats, the Director-General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), visited colleges in Chennai on Wednesday to interact with cadets and outline future projects. The visit highlighted the NCC’s ongoing efforts to modernise training, expand infrastructure, and promote inclusivity.

At D.G. Vaishnav College, Lt. Gen. Vats presented five 'On Spot' awards to deserving cadets and released the annual NCC journal, Veeran 2026. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised the importance of gender balance within the organisation, stating, “The gender balance in our country should be reflected in the NCC too.” To achieve this, he said, a major focus is on improving the standard of camps. Each NCC group should have a dedicated training area, to be established by state governments, after which the NCC will develop the infrastructure—a project currently under way.

The Director-General also highlighted the launch of the Cyber Defender course, now running at VIT Chennai. Designed to equip cadets with cybersecurity fundamentals, the course aims to enable them to contribute to national security during digital emergencies. Similarly, drone training has been introduced, covering operation, maintenance, and tactical applications, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems in both civilian and defence sectors.

Among the future activities planned, Lt. Gen. Vats announced a cycling expedition from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Delhi, India, intended to promote fitness, international camaraderie, and environmental awareness. He also stressed the strengthening of the NCC’s alumni network to provide mentorship and support for current cadets. Additionally, efforts are being made to expand Memorandums of Understanding with more countries, offering cadets broader global exposure and cross-cultural learning opportunities.

Reiterating the NCC’s holistic mission, Lt. Gen. Vats said, “Our aim is not only to prepare you for military, but also to prepare you for life.” The NCC, as the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, enrols school and college students and follows the motto 'Unity and Discipline'. It focuses on character-building, leadership, and a spirit of service, complementing formal education.

The visit underscored the NCC’s commitment to evolving with contemporary needs while upholding its constitutional values. By integrating modern technology courses and fostering international partnerships, the organisation prepares cadets to face diverse challenges, contributing to nation-building and personal growth.