Mysuru: Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya was the venue wherein a mini India was created for a duration of 12 days starting from May 15. The occasion was the National Integration Camp, conducted by 3 Karnataka Girls Battalion NCC, Mysuru, wherein around 600 NCC Cadets both boys and girls from all parts of the country congregated.

The main aim of the camp was to develop close bonds of friendship and bring out greater integration and mutual understanding amongst the youth of various States. The idea was to improve general awareness about States, their historical background, natural resources, development activities in that part of the country, different religious and cultural customs, thus highlighting the aspects of “Unity in Diversity.”

The Cadets had come from as far and apart as Nagaland in the North East to Punjab in the North to Gujarat in the West to Tamil Nadu in the South, who lived together, ate together and played together, thereby fostering a sense of togetherness.

The camp was inaugurated by Col. M.K. Belliappa, Group Commander, NCC Group Mysuru. The Group Commander urged the Cadets to develop a sense of unity and trust amongst themselves. The NCC Cadets were conducted around the important historical places and tourist spots in and around Mysuru.

The 12 day extravaganza was full of colour and variety, wherein each region showcased their festivals, customs, rich traditions, types of attire and cuisines. Various cultural, literary and sports competitions were held during the camp. Competitions included group song, group dance of their respective regions, drawing and painting competition with the theme of National Integration. Volleyball for boys and Throwball competition for girls, Tug of war for both boys and girls, Declamation competition for both boys and girls were conducted.

To break the monotony, the Cadets were taken to Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Mysuru Zoo and Chamundi Hill. A few of the Cadets were taken on a visit to Infosys campus wherein the Cadets were shown around by Ex-Capt. Ramdas Kamath, Head of Security Infosys.

A number of guest speakers were invited to give a lecture to the young minds, on a variety of topics ranging from AIDS awareness by Dr. Umesh, Medical Officer and Senior Consultant K.R. Hospital, Lecture on Fire Fighting by Karnataka Fire Force, Saraswathipuram, wherein all the fire fighting equipment were demonstrated.

A one-day workshop on personality development was conducted by Deepa Krishnan and her team members of EXPA (Exchange Programme Associates) which is a group of ex-NCC Cadets who have excelled in the NCC by reaching the Republic Day Parade at New Delhi, representing the State at the National-level and further represented the Nation in the Youth Exchange Programme in various nations abroad. Pranic energy healing programme was conducted by Dr. Srikanth Jois, Head of Research, World Pranic Healing Foundation, India Research Centre, Mysuru, for three days.

The grand finale of the cultural events took place on May 24 wherein a colourful show was put up for the chief guest, Air Commodore C. Rajeev, Deputy Director General, NCC Karnataka and Goa. The camp concluded on May 26 with the closing address by Camp Commandant Col. M.K. Belliappa, according to a press release from Lt. Col. M.S. Ravindranath, Training Officer, National Cadet Corps, Mysore Group [Mob: 77609-48149].