On the 9th of November 2010,9 cadets,1 cadet officer and two Teacher Officer assembled at the Changi Airport to embark on a 12 days journey to a foreign land far from our safe haven.Along the way we found companionship from unexpected people,unforgettable knowledge which will live on in both our hearts and minds for the rest of our lives in the land of smiles and culture,India.
New Delhi:
After our five hours ride from Singapore to New Delhi,we were brought to the Indian NCC headquarters.There,we were greeted by the Director General,Colonel Chandra.This was a very delightful and unexpected surprise as we were greeted by an officer of such a high distinction despite being only a group of students and teachers.We also met our Kazakhstan counterpart.Despite their imposing figures and cold persona.They were in fact,amiable and lively individuals and this serve as an ice breaking platform,as we associate with them more in the coming days.
Jasalmer:
In the evening of the first day.We went on board a train as we proceeded to Jasalmer,a city located in the state of Rajasthan,where we spent most of our times in India.We met with a very exotic and strange creature,Camels.It might only been an animal,but our days riding them taught us a better appreciation of fellow living creatures.The camels too,possessed emotion and we as the riders, need a better co-operation and understanding to gain their trust,hence allowing us to ride them as the way we desire it to be.
We also met our Indian NCC counterpart,who really carry out their roles as ambassadors of their nation graciously.After seeing the Indian cadets,we gain a greater height of passion and enthusiasm for the NCC,we initially thought that what we have done is enough,but after our interaction with the Indian NCC cadets and seeing them train,we realize how far behind we were and of the need to gear up.
Overall,the ICEP 2010:Dessert Trekking India,was certainly a once in a lifetime experience.Not only do we learn of history and culture from the only nation where 183 tongues were spoken,but in the far land of India we learn of the hazards and experiences that will mould us into better individuals who can make our love ones proud
SSG Calvin Karuniawan Widjaja
Assistant/Unit Sergeant Major
Bendemeer National Cadet Corps
