Mysore/Mysuru: The NCC Alumni Association (NCCAA) Mysuru Group, recently organised Veergati Lt. Ashok P. Mutgikar Cultural Fest Championship-2024 at Sarada Vilas College Centenary Hall.

 The event saw the participation of over 300 cadets, NCC alumni members and the family of the martyr from the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

The event was inaugurated by City Police Commissioner Ramesh Banoth, who delivered an inspiring speech to the cadets about preparing for competitive exams and the path to becoming commissioned Army officers. He expressed his honour in being part of the event that commemorated the martyr.

The guests of honour included Col. Bhanu Prakash (former Group Commander), Lt. Col. Dr. S.N. Prasad (Director, SDM-IMD, Mysuru), Prof. M. Nataraj (Retd. Principal and ex-ANO) and D.M. Mithun (Co-ordinator of NCCAA).

The fallen hero Lt. Ashok P. Mutgikar, who was killed in action at the age of 22 during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, was remembered. He studied at Sarada Vilas College (1966-1970) and was the only Officer Cadet and NCC D Certificate holder in Karnataka at that time.

His brother, Mukund P. Mutgikar, emotionally recounted how Lt. Ashok fought bravely with a smile despite being severely attacked and injured, continuing to fire back at the enemies and striving to save his command.

The event featured cultural activities including singing, dance and instrumental performances. The overall championship was awarded to the 14 Karnataka Battalion.

Inter-Group Competition Republic Day Camp (RDC) cadets of 2023 were felicitated by Mysore NCC Group HQ Group Commander Col. Rohit Thakur, Administrative Officer Col. Sohan Ganapathy and Training Officer Lt. Col. Hitesh Kala.

RDC-2024 cadets were also felicitated by NCC Alumni Association members.

Over 250 cadets participated in the competition. Suvarsha Gowda, organiser, shared that this event would be one of her most memorable ones. She expressed her privilege in awarding the achievers’ awards to 23 cadets who attended the Republic Day Camp in Delhi.