National Cadet Corps-Youth Exchange Programme |19 January 2023
Seychellois youth discover India for the Republic Day Camp 2023
A group of ten young Seychellois, aged between 18 and 22 years, are currently in India as part of the celebration of ‘AzadiKa Amrit Mahotsav’, an initiative of the Indian government to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the history of its people, culture and achievements.
The youths have been selected through a Quiz test, comprising questions pertaining to basic knowledge about India, its achievements in the last 75 years, its culture and its people. The selection was done with the assistance of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) and the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC).
The official journey of ‘AzadiKa Amrit Mahotsav’ started on March 12, 2021, with a 75-week countdown to the 75th anniversary of independence, and will end on August 15, 2023.
The Indian government of India has planned to showcase various national events and achievements across the Nation, as a run-up to that date.
One such achievement is the creation of the National Cadet Corps India, which celebrated its 75th year of existence last year. The organisation is dedicated to serving India by shaping the youths, building their character, instilling discipline, selfless service among young citizens and comradeship.
As part of the programme, the National Cadet Corps on behalf of the government of India has invited delegations of the National Cadet Corps or their equivalent, as well as other youth organisations from friendly foreign countries, to the Republic Day Camp, taking place this month.
The youths, including those from Seychelles, are engaging in various activities, which include attending national events, namely the Republic Day and the Prime Minister Rally.
They are expected to interact with dignitaries, including Indian President Droupadi Murmuand Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, as well as visit various places of historical and cultural importance such as Agra and Jaipur.
They will also be exposed to events like Yoga and Ayurveda and interact with youths from other countries.
The Seychelles delegation left the country last Sunday and their visit programme,which started on January 16, will end on January 29.
Since the visiting youth delegations are the State guests, all expenditures, including air fares, travel within India, boarding, lodging and visits to various destinations are fully borne by the Indian government.
A see-off ceremony was organised for the delegation at the Indian high commission last Friday where they also gave a glimpse of the cultural performance they have prepared for the youth exchange programme.
Vidya Gappy
Photos: contributed
