Jammu, Jan 24 (KNO): Ekta Kumari, an NCC cadet from Jammu and Kashmir will lead the National Cadet Corps (NCC) girls' contingent at Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Sunday.
Hailing from Akhnoor in Jammu district, Ekta is leading the cadet of NCC’s first Jammu and Kashmir Naval Unit. She is a BSc student at Gandhi Nagar Government College for Women, Jammu and an alumni of Army Public School, Akhnoor.
This milestone has brought immense pride to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, Defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal said.
Inspired by her father, a retired soldier from 12 Jammu and Kashmir (JAK) Light Infantry, Ekta’s dream of serving the nation took root early in her life.
Defence Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal said that this achievement has become a source of great pride for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Col Bartwal said that Ekta began her schooling at Army Public School in Akhnoor, where her deep interest in the armed forces motivated her to join the NCC during her college years.
He added that Ekta displayed unwavering determination and excelled in social work and adventure activities from her very first year in the NCC.
“Becoming the Parade Commander of the All India Girls Contingent at Kartavya Path is the proudest moment of my life. This victory belongs to my family, my unit, and the entire Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh region,” Ekta said.
She attributed her achievements to the support of her mentors and trainers, including her associate NCC officer (ANO) and instructors, who guided her during her preparation.
She also expressed her gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel Abhijeet, Drill Ustaad Jaswinder, and the team at the Nagrota NCC camp for honing her skills.
“Her extraordinary accomplishment not only highlights the potential of the youth from Jammu and Kashmir but also serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams with determination and hard work,” said Bartwal.
Preparations for the Republic Day parade, January 26, begin in July, a year in advance. Participants are officially notified of their involvement and must arrive at the venue by 3 am on the day of the parade. By that time, they will have undergone around 600 hours of practice—(KNO)