CHENNAI: The National Cadet Corps (NCC) have always been gutsy characters who are well respected in Tamil Nadu's colleges. Watching hundreds of student cadets brave the Chennai heat, as they paraded around the grounds at the Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College, it is easy to understand why. NCC cadets from over 20 colleges across the state arrived bright and early on Tuesday for the first day of Cado-fest, a three day inter-collegiate competition. Interestingly, this annual NCC event conducted by the college, has completed 30 years, announced the Principal Dr S Narasimhan.Inaugurated by SK Dogra, ADGP-Prisons, the competition began with a formal inspection of the troops and cadets before the parade began. Looking at the khaki-clad cadets, Dogra observed, "There is one big similarity between you (NCC) and us (IPS) - we both wear a uniform and this is what unites us. It is very important to know that it signifies discipline, duty and authority." He went on to explain, "Drills and routines alone do not entail discipline, but mental conditioning is important." Meditation, which India has given the world, is ideal for this mental discipline, he added. One thing that he cautioned the cadets about is to not mistake authority for "power use". He explained that authority has been given with the sole aim of performing duties well and caution needs to be taken to ensure that this does not spill over.The three day competition will include physical and mental exercises like contingent drill, guard of honour, cherry blossom, mairtayi, debate and flag of honour. As many as 175 students from colleges like Loyola College, MOP Vaishnav College for Women, Womens Christian College, Madras Christian College and SRM University, along with DG Vaishnav College participated.
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