"It feels like being caged here; but once we join NCC, we will have more friends and freedom", said Sonal Patel, one of the orphan girls. The process began when NCC cadets visiting the Nari Sanrakshan Gruh motivated the girls to dream big. Six of them chose to join the NCC. All of whom dream to become pilots one day.
The NCC officials, the Superintendent of the orphanage, and the school authorities finalised the official proceedings on Friday. "When girls are doing so well in various fields, NCC will also open up a different avenue for these girls", said Uma Parikh, the Superintendent of the orphanage.
"They lead an aimless life in the orphanage, and it is our responsibility to help them find a goal to achieve", said Riddhi Joshi, a cadet in the air wing who went about motivating the girls in the orphanage.
Vadodara NCC Group Commander, Col. Rahul Bali, is also headed towards the same mission. "We have to bring these people out of their gloomy environment. Being a part of NCC and involving with other cadets will certainly show them a different perspective of life", he said. He also added that NCC certificates act as bonuses in government jobs; and if they wish, they can even join the armed forces.
Apart from promoting various activities like public speaking, leadership qualities and adventure sports, the NCC also involves itself in community services with cadets frequently visiting old age homes in the city. They have also had cadets from Deaf and Dumb school and Juvenile home. "While most consider the juvenile home inmates to be brash, their willingness to participate in every activity and get trained really surprised us. One such cadet coming from the juvenile home in Vadodara is now serving in the armed forces", said Col. Bali. |