In the corridors of academic excellence, Sarwan Kumar, an MSc Digital Society student at IIIT-Bangalore stands as a beacon of honour and achievement. Sarwan Kumar’s journey extends beyond borders, as he was selected as a distinguished member of the Indian delegation for the NCC Youth Exchange Program in the United Kingdom. Stepping onto British soil, under the joint command of Col. Krishna Badhwar and his British counterpart, Col. White, Sarwan underwent 15 days of intensive training with the cadets of the Army Cadet Force of the United Kingdom. From military tactics to firing the L98A2 5.56 mm rifle at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, his experience reflects a deep admiration for the work culture in the British military.
Sarwan Kumar shares his adventurous, proud and memorable experience with Naviiina.
“Currently enrolled in the MSc Digital Society programme, I hold the position of Senior Under Officer in 1 MP SIGNAL COMPANY NCC Jabalpur, operating within the MP&CG directorate. My journey has taken an exceptional turn as I find myself privileged to have been chosen as a member of the Indian delegation participating in the NCC Youth Exchange Program to the United Kingdom. This initiative encourages a cross-border exchange of cadets, promoting mutual awareness and appreciation of socio-economic, military, and cultural nuances among NCC and similar youth organizations in friendly nations.
Under the command of Col. Krishna Badhwar and his British counterpart, Col. White, I spent 15 days training with the cadets of the Army Cadet Force of the United Kingdom. I learned military tactics such as patrol and ambushing from the officers of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and fired their general-purpose L98A2 5.56 mm rifle. As an army lover, it was amazing to learn about the work culture in the British military.
Exploring the civilian dimension of our tour, we engaged in a myriad of exhilarating activities right from shotgun firing and mountain biking to coasteering in the North Sea. Our journey also included immersive tours of London and Edinburgh, delving into the rich socio-cultural tapestry of both Scottish and English communities.
It was a stroke of luck when I had the delightful opportunity to commemorate India’s Independence Day at the India House, London. It was there that I had the honour of meeting Shri Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, adding a profound and memorable layer to my international experience.
I am proud to be a part of the National Cadet Corps, the second line of defence of India and the world’s largest uniformed youth organization. The NCC produces disciplined youth with leadership qualities to serve the nation. Such organizations will indeed expand.
All these would not be possible without the support of our Registrar, Commodore SR Sridhar (Retd) and I extend my sincere gratitude to him for not only supporting but also acknowledging my accomplishments as a dedicated NCC cadet. Jai Hind!!’
