As we traverse through a week observing Meghalaya Statehood Day and Republic Day, the humble yet unseen case of Aiborlang Kharjana stands out as one reinventing the word pride and honour. All of 21, Kharjana who has been selected to represent the state as guard of honour in the Republic Day parade, 2024 in New Delhi proves himself worthy of being affiliated with patriotism and serving his youth true to his country’s honour. Sunday Shillong dives deep into his story at the National Cadet Corps (NCC) as Junior Under Officer (JUO) to acquaint its readers with his journey and success so far.
Making it at the NCC
It was a dream come true for 21-year-old NCC cadet, JUO Aiborlang Kharjana to be selected to represent the state in the Republic Day parade at New Delhi.
The Republic Day Parade 2024 promises to be an enriching experience for the cadets, offering them the opportunity to interact with fellow cadets from diverse backgrounds and be part of the grand celebrations at the Red Fort.
A BA 6th semester student of St. Anthony’s College is part of the 120 member’s contingent of the Indian team who took part in the All India Guard of Honour during the Republic Day parade.
“I am proud to be representing Meghalaya and the NCC North East Region Directorate in the All India Guard of Honour in this year’s Republic Day celebration. I am very happy to be finally selected in my second attempt,” Kharjana said while speaking to Sunday Shillong from New Delhi.
Talking about the selection process, he said that the selection process had begun right from his own unit by forming the Shillong group.
“It was initially an inter-group competition for selection to be able to represent the Shillong group. I received the recommendation medal of excellence during the inter-group competition from the Additional Director General of the NCC,” the 21 year old NCC cadet says.
He said that they then have a selection process among the cadets from all the eight States of the Northeast, who were present in Shillong, August last year.
According to him, the best cadets from the competition were selected for the Pre-Republic Day Camp (PRDC) 1 to represent the North Eastern Region.
After being selected for the PRDC 2 in Shillong, he informed that only three male NCC cadets were selected for the PRDC 3 from the region and there are more than 100 cadets who are vying for the selection.
“The final selection camp was the PRDC 4 at Narangi. It was a very tough journey,” Kharjana said.
Informing that there were separate vacancies for the guard of honour and Prime Minister rallies, he said that he was selected for the guard of honour which was the top most.
“After this, we then had a selection to form the All India contingent. There is a lot of pressure during the training since we have to always be on our toes since we are being trained by the Army. We need to be mentally, physically and emotionally strong during the training,” the 21 year old NCC cadet states.
He admits that it was tough for everyone as they had been practising in their camp during chilly winter mornings in Delhi.
Kharjana said that the entire experience has not only bolstered his physical and mental strength, but has also equipped him with resilience to face life’s challenges.
Meanwhile, he said that the NCC has shaped and moulded him in different arenas of life.
“By being part of the NCC I have learnt about leadership qualities, have picked up public speaking and to be disciplined in life. Whatever I am today is because of the NCC,” says the 21 year old NCC cadet.
Kharjana said that he would like to motivate his juniors who are keen to join the NCC.
“I feel that consistency, hard work and to have self belief will help them reach this level,” he believes.
Badge of National pride
Kharjana’s participation in the Republic Day parade has been a matter of immense pride for the nation and state, per se. Speaking with him, Kharajana says, “Since it is the highest national camp, every NCC cadet wants to achieve this goal and perform at this level. Getting an opportunity to take part in this national celebration has always motivated me since he has seen his seniors doing it.”
It is always an honour and a proud moment for him to be part of the NCC.
It is special for him to join the force since he found an opportune time to experience something which he has never got in his life. It has helped to shape me to become a better person and to realise the importance of serving the society and nation.
Journey so far
Ever since he was a child Kharjana had always dreamt of joining the Armed forces and the commission of the Indian Army. At a personal level, he was of the view that the feeling of patriotism or nationalism is something which is learnt not taught. The feeling of patriotism or nationalism is strengthened from within by being in an environment with the Armed forces. It gives him an opportunity to see how the Armed personnel conduct themselves and the love for your country grows when they interact with the Army officers or jawans in their camp.
On being asked what pushed him to join the NCC, Kharjana explained, “It’s been my dream to join the NCC. It was after joining college that I learned vastly about the opportunity to be a part of the senior wing of the NCC. It was not easy since I had to go through the enrollment process similar to the Army recruitment including the physical test and interview.”
Probing further on the uptake of the youths in armed forces, whether it’s upswing or otherwise, Kharjana observes, “From what I see is that the present younger generations are excited and motivated to join the Armed forces. Around 90 to 95 percent of the youth who are part of the NCC wish to eventually join the Defence or Armed Forces.”
On the issues of skewed gender representation – less number of women in the Armed Forces, Kharjana says, “Based on what I have seen, NCC women cadets are equally enthusiastic about the Armed forces. There are many women cadets who are taking part in the Republic Day parade. There is an upward trend since many women officers are serving in the Armed forces now. As for empowering women, even the government is encouraging women to join the Armed forces. In fact, women NCC cadets have taken centre stage in the Republic Day parade. Opportunities are opening up for women and many of them are utilising it.”
About the NCC:
The National Cadet Corps is the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces with its headquarters in New Delhi, India was formed in 1948. It is open to school and college students on a voluntary basis as a Tri-Services Organisation, comprising the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. The NCC aims (laid out in 1988) at developing character, comradeship, discipline, a secular outlook, the spirit of adventure and ideals of selfless service amongst young citizens. Thus, creating a pool of organised, trained and motivated youth with leadership qualities in all walks of life, who will serve the Nation through the armed forces.