NCC Directorate Maharahtra In Collaboration With HSNC University, Mumbai Organises Seminar On ‘Women Empowerment Through NCC’

The National Cadet Corps (NCC), Directorate of Maharashtra, in joint collaboration with Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate University (HSNC University), Mumbai conducted a seminar on ‘Women Empowerment through NCC’ at the Rama & Watumal Auditorium at KC College campus of HSNC University, Mumbai on 30^th November 2024.

The Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, HE Shri CP Radhakrishnan, graced the event as the chief guest, accompanied by DG NCC Lt. Gen. Gurbirpal Singh. In his keynote address, the Hon’ble Governor & Chancellor of HSNC University, Mumbai emphasised that “Empowering women through NCC means giving them the tools to lead, contribute and make meaningful change in their communities and the nation.”

Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh highlighted the transformative role of women in NCC, noting, “The inclusion of women in NCC has transformed lives and opened doors to new opportunities. We have witnessed numerous success stories of girl cadets excelling in the armed forces, administration and other spheres of public life.”

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University, highlighted India’s progress in women’s empowerment, emphasising the leadership of figures like the President and Prime Minister. He shared that over 70% of the NCC cadets at the University are women, showcasing real empowerment. Dr. Hiranandani also emphasised the importance of addressing issues such as safety, security, mental health and mentioned that 75% of the University’s teaching staff are women, reaffirming the University’s commitment to promoting inclusive leadership.

The program commenced with an introduction to the event by NCC cadets, followed by a welcome address delivered by Col. Dr. Hemlata Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University. Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University, provided an insightful overview of the seminar’s objectives and significance. This was followed by engaging speeches from Mrs. Deepti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, who shared their perspectives on women’s empowerment through NCC.

The seminar featured three impactful lectures delivered by Dr. Henna John, Major Anita Jethy and Dr. Hemlata K Bagla. These sessions explored key themes, including empowerment, safety & security, holistic well-being, skill-building and fostering leadership among NCC girl cadets.

A notable feature of the seminar was a lecture-cum-demonstration titled ‘Walk Without Fear’ by the NGO Mission Fightback, led by the founder army veteran Lt. Col. (Retd.) Rohit Mishra & Mrs. Rohit Mishra, which provided practical street survival strategies for self-defense and personal safet

The event also highlighted NCC’s specialised training programs, which aim to enhance the leadership qualities of girl cadets and empower them as role models for future generations.Government initiatives to encourage female participation in NCC were showcased, reflecting the growing number of women cadets in leadership roles and prestigious events like Republic Day parades and adventure camps.

Maj. Gen. Yogender Singh, ADG NCC Directorate Maharashtra, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Governor, speakers, participants and attendees for their valuable contributions to the seminar’s success.

The defence services have traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated field. The NCC aims to challenge this perception by promoting women’s empowerment and gender sensitivity through its various initiatives. The organisation works to instill a secular mindset, a sense of camaraderie and a strong commitment to duty in both male and female cadets.

In addition to military training, the NCC curriculum emphasises leadership and personality development, social awareness, community service, disaster management, adventure training, health & hygiene and environmental conservatione. This youth organisation fosters leadership skills, social responsibility and patriotism among young individuals.

Since its inception, NCC has progressively supported the participation of girl cadets, leading to a steady rise in female enrollment. The NCC organises camps, debates, symposiums and various other activities at different levels to actively engage cadets and provide them with valuable exposure. Institutional training introduces cadets to a “regimental way of life,” while camp training offers them the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during their institutional training in real-world settings. NCC shapes the women leaders of tomorrow by empowering them through equal opportunities, enhancing physical and mental resilience and inculcating the values of discipline and integrity.

The NCC organises self-defense classes for women, webinars and various programs aimed at addressing societal issues and raising awareness. It also operates women-only battalions that create a supportive environment, challenge stereotypes and provide specialised training and mentorship. Additionally, the NCC has introduced a buddy-pair system, where two cadets are paired to foster camaraderie, improve teamwork and promote mutual responsibility. This initiative not only strengthens the bond between female cadets but also motivates them to pursue excellence and compete in a positive, supportive way.

All these initiatives empower women with the skills and confidence needed to excel in diverse fields such as the armed forces, education, politics and business, strengthening their societal standing and leadership potential.

The seminar was a monumental step towards promoting women’s empowerment and leadership through NCC’s visionary programs.