Rifle Shooting:

One of the most awaited events of the Annual Training Camp is the Rifle Shooting event. It takes place on the 4th and the 5th day of ATC where each cadet gets an opportunity to fire 5 rounds of a 0.22 Sporting/Deluxe rifle on a 25m target range. Among the plethora of breaking records and washouts, it's the journey made memorable by those "disciplined" cadets who made these pictures worth capturing to forever preserve the motto - "Unity and Discipline"

Obstacle Training:

Obstacle training activities train a cadet for their strength, endurance and most importantly - “The mind-body coordination”. Good coordination leads to the stability of both the mind and body. Cadets are tested for their strength and coordination skills in an obstacle course which is to be completed in the minimum time in Training General Championship and Training Camps.

Tent Pitching:

Apart from its importance in adventure camps, tent pitching teaches a cadet to collaborate with others efficiently to complete a task in minimum time. In this activity, cadets are trained to program their reflexes so that they are able to put up temporary or permanent tents in the least time possible. It requires teamwork, understanding and quick decision making to use the human resource effectively.

Weapon Training is one of the most sought after training activity as the cadets get to handle a rifle for the first time. The objective is to teach the cadets about the proper care that should be taken while handling a rifle and its maintenance. The cadets are taught about the structural specifications, firing mechanism, the nomenclature of different parts along with providing a hands-on experience of disassembling and assembling an L1-A1 SLR (Training Rifle).

You can find more about the disassembly and the assembly procedure in this short video.

The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, India saw the rise of youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal.

It all started on 4th December 1971 when Pakistan planned an attack on Western front to divert Indian troops from the Eastern front in Bangladesh and prolong the war. Being a strategic position, Shakargarh had to be secured to avoid Pakistan from capturing a part of Jammu and Kashmir. The 17 Poona Horse was assigned for this task which gave rise to the Battle of Basantar.

The task set for the 47th Brigade of the 17 Poona Horse was to establish a bridgehead across the River Basantar. By the night of 15th Dec, the brigade had captured its objectives however, the place was extensively mined. This prevented the deployment of the Indian tanks. The engineers were in the middle of clearing the mines when alarming enemy armour activity was reported. It was at this critical juncture that the 17 Poona Horse decided to push through the mine-field and asked for immediate armour support from Lt Khetarpal.

During this clash between the 13th Lancers of Pakistan and the tanks of Indian Army, the skirmish took its toll on the Lieutenant as he was hit by enemy fire. Lt Khetarpal, instead of abandoning the tank he fought on, destroying enemy tanks. His final words over the radio to a superior officer who had ordered him to abandon his burning tank were, "No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working and I will get these bastards.” Even after being in bad shape, he set about destroying the remaining enemy tanks. At this stage, his tank received a second hit and he was seriously injured.

Lt. Khetarpal destroyed 10 tanks before he was killed in action and his conspicuous bravery had denied a vital breakthrough for Pakistani forces and put us in a stronger position in the Shakargarh bulge.

For his intrepid bravery and extreme gallantry in the face of fierce and unrelenting assaults by the enemy, Lt. Khetarpal, at the age of 21, was posthumously honoured with India's most prestigious and highest-standard military medal for courage and gallantry, the Param Vir Chakra.

NCC IIT Bombay pays respect to the legendary Lt. Arun Khetarpal on his Birth Anniversary!

Drills are the core of training in NCC which transform a cadet both physically and mentally. Across various drill exercises, cadets are trained for their posture, endurance, swiftness, concentration and synchronisation. After putting days of tireless efforts, the moment arrives to put these skills to test, the moment every cadet strives for - “The Republic Day Parade”. A moment when each individual soul synchronises with the beat of the march past, hands saluting the National Flag and a unified thought in everyone’s heart - “India”

“The idea of Independent Hyderabad is like an ulcer in the heart of India. It has to be removed surgically” - Sardar Patel

In November 1947, Hyderabad signed a standstill agreement with the dominion of India, continuing all previous arrangements(from a subsidiary alliance with British) except for the stationing of Indian troops in the state. However, Hyderabad state broke all clauses of the agreement, carrying out intrigues with Pakistan to which it secretly loaned 15 million pounds.

The era was horrific for the Hindu population in Hyderabad. The militant army under Syed Qasim Razvi led mass-murdering, women abduction and looting on a large scale. The Nizam even attempted to seek UN intervention but was unsuccessful. After a number of negotiations being rejected by the Nizam, it was time to use force and hence began the famous military operation - “Operation Polo”.

The plan envisaged two main thrusts - from Vijayawada in the East and Solapur in the West - while smaller units pinned down the Hyderabadi army along the border. Overall command was placed in the hands of Lt. Gen. Rajendrasinghji, DSO. The first battle was fought at Naldurg Fort on the Solapur Secunderabad Highway in which a vital bridge on the Bori river was secured intact. The army kept moving in speed.

The IAF reached Hyderabad airport. There was 'vidvamsa' at the airport, so the Indian planes went into its range cautiously. But, to their awe, the pilot fled away already. There wasn't a single soul in the whole airport. By the 5th day, it was clear that the Razakars had been routed on all fronts and with extremely heavy casualties. At 5 PM of 17 September, Nizam announced the ceasefire, thus ending the armed action.

Here at NCC IIT Bombay, the journey of a cadet starts with a series of lectures covering necessary topics across various genres. They are briefed about the basic knowledge of what NCC is all about, its history, its role at the time of need and what they are expected to do as an NCC Cadet. The genres also include social awareness, basic military operational tactics, self-defence, weapon specifications and lot more. Having trained the mind with theoretical knowledge, a cadet is now ready for some real practical training where they will be tested across these genres.

“One man’s ‘magic’ is another man’s engineering, ‘supernatural’ is a null word.”

Every year on the 15th of September, Engineer’s Day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, popularly known as Sir MV, arguably the most eminent engineer India has ever produced.

Considered as one of the greatest Civil Engineers of all times, Sir MV was born on 15 September 1860 in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, to a Telugu family well versed in Sanskrit. From building dams and water systems to developing techniques to harness water resources, he emerged as a genius who boosted irrigation facilities and an altruistic hero who saved a large number of people from floods. He is known for his outstanding achievements as an engineer, like building the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in the north-west suburb of Mysore city and designing and patenting a system of automatic weir water floodgates that were first installed in 1903 at Khadakvasla Reservoir near Pune.

He served as the Diwan of Mysore and achieved the epithet of ‘Model State’ for it. In 1955, he was conferred with the country’s highest civilian award, The Bharat Ratna. He was also awarded the prestigious British Knighthood, which put the honorific 'Sir' before his name.

The Bombay Engineer Group, or the Bombay Sappers as they are popularly known, is the parent regiment of 2 Maharashtra Engineers Regiment in which our unit falls in. NCC IIT BOMBAY feels proud to be a unit under such a decorated and valorous regiment of Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army. We celebrate the day to recognise engineers' efforts who have made human lives easier with their innovations and ideas and wish you all a Happy Engineers Day!

27 August was a remarkable day for NCC IIT Bombay, being given an opportunity to our cadet Harshda Saxena to be on table of Maharashtra Directorate in a video conference with Hon. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The video conference was held to launch the app DGNCC for the cadets all over India and it also became a platform for NCC cadets from directorates all over India, to interact with the Defence Minister. The conference was held at the Headquarters Maritime Air Ops, IAF and selected cadets from Maharashtra were given with this elite opportunity.

The live webinar was concluded after which ADG Maharashtra Maj Gen Alok Raj shared his words of wisdom with the cadets and motivated them to break the shackles of restrictions imposed by the society and reach sky high.

DGNCC app made for the NCC cadets which would have multiple benefits owing to the stressful situations going on and no access to the training program. The app provides ample material to study for the exams of NCC and also a forum to solve their doubts. An exemplary step towards automated training in this digital era.

On 27th July 2015, we all felt pain in our hearts that left us in tears. This day marks the 5th death anniversary of the beloved People’s President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Five years went by in the wink of an eye, but memories of the extremely humble soul linger in our minds and are still prevailing.

Great Souls keep coming and going in the world, but when they are here, we mistake them to be ordinary, because of the fact that….. We are Ordinary! Greatness doesn’t chase fame, the case is the exact opposite after all! His genuine concern for the individuals of this country, for which he worked and worked tirelessly all throughout his life, someone who seldom thought of himself or his family, but always put his country first, endeared him to all of us and not just that, but it’s his inimitable kindness, humility and selflessness that touched every heart, leaving a permanent mark on the minds of everyone who knew him.

His illustrious life inspires billions and will continue to inspire generations to come, to dream big, to believe in the power of dedication, hard-work and that nothing is impossible to achieve. Emulating him both in personal and professional fronts of life is an infallible mantra for success and would – in the real sense – be the best tribute paid to the Great man by a Grateful nation.

Dr Kalam, manifested an epitome of selfless service to the nation with being a great humanitarian leader who lead by examples and not just mere words.

'Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you.'

26 July 2020 marks the 21st anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas. Named after the successful Operation Vijay, this day is celebrated every year in honour of the Kargil War’s Heroes, who fought for more than 60 days in the battle for the nation’s pride.

On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, NCC IIT Bombay is back with the third episode of its Webinar Series, with Major D. P. Singh, a Kargil War veteran, India’s first Blade Runner, the first specially abled solo Skydiver of Asia.

A man of indomitable spirit and exemplary courage, Major D. P. Singh has run 26 half marathons with a prosthetic limb, setting a perfect example for ‘Never Give Up’ attitude.

We humbly invite all of you to celebrate the anniversary and experience the fusion of inspiration and profound experience in the Webinar: ‘Rising on your Feet: Be it a war or a pandemic!’, which shall go live on the Facebook page of NCC IIT Bombay on 26 July from 1700 hours.

Ask your question here.

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way "
- John C Maxwell

NCC, considered as the third line of defense, always strives to imbibe great qualities to its cadets to groom them as responsible citizens. Leadership is one of them and NCC molds its cadets to be futuristic leaders of the society.

General sir, decorated with PVSM, UYSM, SM, and VSM has commanded many units and brigades in sheer counter-terrorism environments during his career. Sir has been a commander of Chinar Corps and carried out a number of momentous operations in the active militancy areas of Jammu and Kashmir during the tumultuous years of 2015-16. Popularly known as the ' counter-terrorism specialist ', sir is considered as one of the main brains behind the surgical strike of 2016.

The webinar is open for all on the official Facebook page. A selective number of cadets of different NCC directorates from all over the nation are invited to be the part of this webinar with the motive of giving insights of leadership to the NCC cadets from one of the finest leaders himself.

Do come to listen to General Sir and enlighten yourself about leadership on this 24th of July at 15:00 hrs.

For queries contact:
Shashwat Anand
SUO 2 MER
6377706327

Maj. Rama Raghoba Rane, a recipient of the Param Vir Chakra!

Major Rane, born in 1918 in Karnataka, joined the British Indian Army as a Naik at the age of 22. In WW II, he was involved in the war against Japan in Burma (Myanmar). He rose to prominence when he shot down a military airplane with his LMG.

He became part of the Indian Army as a Naib Subedar after independence and soon got commissioned in the Bombay Sappers Regiment as a Second Lieutenant.

In 1948, during India Pakistan war, 2nd Lt. Rane, in command of a section attached to Dogra Battalion was given the responsibility of clearing the path for the battalion and supporting tanks which was obstructed by several roadblocks and minefields. He, along with his team, worked non-stop for 72 hours despite being wounded from the ongoing artillery and mortar fire from the Pakistanis. During this period of 3 days, he made significant contributions for advancement of the Indian troops to Rajauri. His work not only costed the Pakistani forces about 500 dead and many more wounded, but also saved many civilians in the area from Chingas and Rajauri.

For his exemplary courage, work and devotion to the duty, he became a living recipient of the highest military award Param Vir Chakra. He retired as Major in 1968. He left us on 11th July 1994 but he is still inspiring the youths of this country.

NCC IITB takes pride in its association with the Bombay Sappers carrying legacy of such Officers! Today on his death anniversary, nation pays tribute to this legend.

“I’ll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it, but I will come back for sure.” – Capt. Vikram Batra, the Lion of Kargil.

On June 1, 1999, Vikram Batra's detachment, 13 J&K Rifles, was sent to the Kargil War. He recovered the Humps and Rocky Knob from the enemy. For showing immense bravery, Vikram Batra was promoted to Captain. He was then given the responsibility to take back point 5140, located above the Srinagar-Leh road, which was captured by the Pak Army. The Pakistani force had a strategic advantage of height. Overcoming many obstacles and the continuous firing from the enemies, Vikram Batra advanced towards the peak with his companions. On reaching very close to the top, he forcefully attacked the soldiers of Pakistani army with a close hand-to-hand combat.

On 20 June 1999, at 3:30 in the morning he successfully took back Point 5140 and hoisted the Tricolour. Informing this achievement, he said, “Yeh Dil Mange More!”, and the soldiers repeated these words enthusiastically. From this time onwards, he was called the Lion of Kargil.

After the capture of Point 5140, he was entrusted the capturing of Point 4875. Despite being unwell, Captain Batra, along with some companions, killed many Pakistani soldiers. He was very close to victory but Lieutenant Naveen became badly injured. Not caring for his life, Vikram Batra ventured to take Naveen away from the firing and became his shield to protect him from the bullets. At that moment, the enemy's bullets hit Capt. Batra and on 7th July, he became immortal.

For this indomitable courage and valour, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra on 15 August 1999.

Questionnaire form open!

In the times when ignorance on issues of National Security and random speculations on prospects of it are soaring high, NCC IIT Bombay brings to you one of the most credible views on reality!

Webinar with Lt Gen (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Bar), Chancellor Central University of Kashmir, former Military Secretary of the Indian Army, the personality with enormous contribution to incorporate military intellectualism and strategic culture in our country.

Get all your doubts cleared and stand a chance to join the elite panel featuring distinguished army officers. The Webinar scheduled on 07/07/2020 from 1500 hrs will be conducted on Webex with the panel which shall be live streamed on the official Facebook page of NCC IIT Bombay.

Click here for the Questionnaire form.

For queries contact:
Shashwat Anand
SUO 2 MER
6377706327

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" I have no regrets , even if I become a human again, I will join the army and fight for my nation". - Yours "Robin"

On the day of 28 June 1999 Captain Vijayant Thapar was commanding the Leading Platoon of Alpha Company, which was tasked to assault area Knoll in Drass Sector from the north during Operation Vijay. While advancing, the platoon was hit by accurate enemy artillery barrage and its suffered heavy casualties. Captain Thapar with all his senses active reacted immediately of the situation and organized evacuation of the casualties and quickly rallied his shell-shocked platoon for the attack. Personally leading the attack from the Northern face against enemy's Medium Machine Gun (MMG) fire , which was holding up the Company's assault, he fearlessly charged at the enemy position "firing from the hip" and throwing grenades. This act of bravery from him requires a hell lot of courage, valour and a sense of responsibility that he holds towards his nation which made him fight fearlessly with full magnanimity. During this act, his hands and stomach were grievously injured but he still continued to advance ordering his men to follow him. Roused by the actions of their Young Platoon Commander , the platoon charged up the hill against the dominating enemy position. This audacious action unnerved and forced the enemy to abandon a tactically superior position. The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries.

Captain Vijyant Thapar, thus, displayed remarkable courage and exemplary valour and was posthumously honoured with India's prestigious military honour the Vir Chakra.

World's higest military post, at an altitude of 21,153 feet where the enemy seemed practically insurmountable with their snipers enjoying clear sight of the entire Saltaro ridge and the Siachen glacier, on this day in 1987 was conquered by the task force including the living legend, PVC awardee Honorary Captain Bana Singh!

A five-member team led by this living legend climbed a steep 1500 feet wall of ice approaching through a completely unexpected direction involving much longer and near to impossible terrain! With roaring snowy winds at 120kmph when the team reached the top, soldiers started losing hope because rifles got jammed at such low temperatures, his words "Don't hold back, trust your bayonets!" charged his men and the team ferociously engaged in assault in hand combat bayoneting the Pakistani soldiers. Such was the rein of terror created by these 5 men led by then Naib Subedar Bana Singh, that some of the enemies jumped off the peak!

Nation salutes such legends and these immortal tales shall inspire generations to come!

"Yoga adds years to your life
And life to your years!"

While Yoga being a phenomenal offering from our country to the world we, as the ambassadors of Yoga, must not fail in making it an integral part of our lives!

On this International Yoga Day NCC, in association with Yogastha brings to you a session on Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). All are requested to join millions of others performing CYP across the world from your respective homes by doing the 45-minute long Common Yoga Protocol at 7.00 AM on 21st June 2020. Register on this link to participate in the biggest Yoga event of the institute:-

https://iitbyogastha.in/CYP2020/index.html
It is also encouraged to participate in the virtual Yogathon (108 Surya namaskar challenge) at 5:30 pm on 21st June 2020 conducted by Yogastha IIT Bombay.

“Everyone dies but it is a privilege to die for the country and I am proud of my son”, the father while proudly mentioning his son Col. Santosh Babu, who attained martyrdom along with 19 other Bravehearts of the nation after the incident which took place Monday night, the worst flare-up along the border between India and China in more than five decades.

The violennt face-off took place in the Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh , whose capture provides the China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) strategic domination over positions overlooking India’s Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) road, which connects Leh to the Karakoram Pass.

While the ANI and indian intercepts mentioned there were 43 casualties on their side but the PLA ignorantly didn’t even bother to comment on its losses. The increased movement of the Chinese helicopters at the face-off location showed that the Chinese suffered a significant number of casualties in the violent face-off, an official said.

Sacrificing their lives in the highest tradition of the Indian Army, our warriors displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty. The nation stands firmly with the martyrs and this incident shall remind us all of the sacrifices that are laid down by our soldiers for us to enjoy our freedom.

Tololing!
The peak that costed several of our men!
21 years back, by the dawn of 13th June, the tricolour was fluttering high up the hill empowered by blood and sweat of our soldiers! A night before, 2 Rajputana Rifles (Raj Rif) made the final assault! In sheer darkness of night with the 18 grenadiers setting up the stage for 2 Raj Rif and under the cry of "Raja Ram Chandra ki Jai" thunderous echoes of victory resounded in the valley! This was a decisive win for us during the Kargil war!

The Mahavir Chakra Awardees Major Vivek Gupta ( posthumously) and Naik Digendra Kumar enduring tens of bullets led the assault up the hill and killed many Pakistani soldiers, also in hand combat!

On this day Lieutenant Premendra Singh Bhagat (later Lt. General) was awarded with Victoria Cross for his immense courage and valour during the fight in Sudan where for a period of 4 days and over a distance of 55 miles this officer with his team cleared 15 minefields and worked from dawn to dusk to clear path for his army. His coolness, persistence over a period of 96 hours and gallantry, not only in battle, but throughout the long period when the safety of army was of immense importance were dependent on his personal efforts.

Our unit being a part of 2 Maharashtra Enginners Regiment feels proud to be associated with The Bombay Sappers group bearing 200 years of golden history while standing firm on their Motto of "Sarvatra" by working gloriously beyond the battlefield , with a resplendent performance in sports and adventure winning 7 Arjuna Awards , 2 Major Dhyanchand Awards and Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.

The Bombay engineer group and Centre (BeG & C), Khadki, the Bombay Sappers as they are popularly known, a regiment of the Corps of Engineers of Indian Army. Sapper is often the first person at the area of conflict preparing the way for the unhindered movement of infantry, artillery and mechanised divisions in times of war.

The Bombay Sappers have earned 31 Theatre Honours and 37 Battle Honours in addition to the 3 highest awards for gallantry pre independence and post independence i.e. Victoria Cross , Param Vir Chakra , Ashok Chakra.

On this day Lieutenant Premendra Singh Bhagat (later Lt. General) was awarded with Victoria Cross for his immense courage and valour during the fight in Sudan where for a period of 4 days and over a distance of 55 miles this officer with his team cleared 15 minefields and worked from dawn to dusk to clear path for his army. His coolness, persistence over a period of 96 hours and gallantry, not only in battle, but throughout the long period when the safety of army was of immense importance were dependent on his personal efforts.

Our unit being a part of 2 Maharashtra Enginners Regiment feels proud to be associated with The Bombay Sappers group bearing 200 years of golden history while standing firm on their Motto of "Sarvatra" by working gloriously beyond the battlefield , with a resplendent performance in sports and adventure winning 7 Arjuna Awards , 2 Major Dhyanchand Awards and Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.