Union Defence minister AK Antony felicitated select NCC cadets who displayed exemplary courage and devotion to duty in an impressive investiture ceremony put together by young NCC cadets. About 2,000 cadets, both boys and girls, drawn from 17 NCC directorates covering all the states and Union Territories of the country are participating in a month-long Republic Day camp 2012 in Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt. This includes 643 girl cadets, 102 cadets from J&K and 112 cadets from North Eastern Regions.

The Raksha Mantri Padak was instituted in 1989 and since then is awarded to most deserving Cadets every year for exceptional service or bravery. The Defence Minister also honoured selected whole-time lady officers, associate NCC officers, instructors of aero and ship models and cadets who have distinguished themselves with an outstanding act during the year.

Senior Under Officer Akash Dwivedi of UP Directorate was awarded the Raksha Mantri  Padak for displaying impressive foresight and maturity well beyond his age in organising relief work in the camps set-up in flooded area of Bijnor district of UP, due to release of excessive water in Kalagarh Dam in September 2010. Petty officer cadet Jyotsna Roy of Odisha Directorate won the silver medal in All-India NCC Yachting Regatta-2010. She was awarded the Raksha Mantri’s commendation card. Senior Under Officer Amrita Roy of West Bengal Directorate was awarded the Raksha Mantri commendation card for her laudable achievement in shooting at the national level. Junior Under Officer Rama Rani Senapati of Odisha Directorate was awarded the Raksha Mantri commendation card for being instrumental in helping various NGOs in social service. The Raksha Mantri also announced a cash prize of `2.5 lakh each to petty officer cadet Jyotsna Roy and Junior Under Officer Rama Rani Senapati of Odisha NCC Directorate. Both these cadets studying in college don’t have either parents. In fact, she was brought up in an orphanage.

The award ceremony was followed by an energetic band display by cadets of North Eastern Region in their smart colourful attire, playing enchanting martial tunes. Later, the cadets put together a comprehensive cultural programme in the NCC auditorium. The spectacle included folk dances and a ballet represented the proficiency of the cadets in manifesting various nuances of the Indian culture.