The briefing

News from across Army Cadets

Highlights of the India trip

• Cultural presentations at HQ NCC from regions of India such as Gujarat, Punjab and Kerala.

• A visit to the National War Memorial, National Museum and India Gate.

• Dining at local restaurants.

• Visit to the president and prime minister’s homes.

• Formal dinner hosted by the Defence Minister of India Hon Raksha Mantri.

• Visits to markets and malls.

• Introduction to yoga at the Morarji Desai Institute of Yoga.

• Attendance at the Independence Day celebrations at India Gate.

• Inclusion in the PM Rally.

• Visit to the Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) and Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Each participating nation delivered a five-minute presentation on their country and a fiveminute cultural dance. The UK contingent performed a traditional Scottish folk dance called Strip the Willow.

Making friends around the world

Friends were made from across the globe, as there were 19 international delegations involved in the programme: Seychelles, Russia, USA, UK, New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Brazil, Argentina, Vietnam, Mongolia, Mozambique, Sudan, Mauritius, Fiji and Maldives.

Language proved no barrier to communication. Cadets learnt the phrase ‘Vasudhaiva kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) and discovered new ways to understand one another. For example, the UK cadets shared most of their coach journeys with cadets from the USA and Mongolia and it was only a matter of time before music and song overcame any international hurdles.

Go further

Want to experience this trip of a lifetime? For details of how to apply for the next India exchange, keep an eye on the Army Cadets website, along with your company and county websites, your county detachment and Part One Orders.

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