NCC a catalyst in transforing nation's social fabric: Antony

New Delhi, Apr 29 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony has described the National Cadet Corps (NCC) as a catalyst in transforming the social fabric of the country through the youth.

Addressing the cadets at a special National Integration Camp here, he said the NCC motto ''unity and discipline'' holds greater relevance today than ever before.

Camps such as this foster a spirit of togetherness among the cadets, Mr Antony added.

About 850 cadets, including 671 from Jammu and Kashmir, are attending the camp being conducted at Delhi Cantonment from April 19 to 30.

The special camp has been organised for the school children and youth of mainly remote and tribal areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including Baramulla, Poonch and Bhaderwah.

The camp aims to encourage the youth of this sensitive state to join the national mainstream. It also gives the cadets of Jammu and Kashmir, many of them on their first visit outside the state, a glimpse of the country's rapid progress and the various opportunities available to them.

The highlight of the evening was an oath-taking by the cadets, pledging themselves to abhor the evil practices of dowry and female foeticide in society.

Mr Antony hoped the children would follow the pledge ''hundred per cent in spirit'' all through their lives.

On the occasion, the cadets presented a colourful cultural programme depicting folk culture of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa.

Later, the Defence Minister gave away prizes to the cadets, and also received a memento from NCC Director General Lt Gen Prakash S Chaudhary.

UNI AG RL HT1440