Ferozepur, October 13, 2025 (Vikram Ditya Sharma)
As part of the Government of India’s Vibrant Village Programme-II, a group of 187 NCC cadets from the 13 Punjab Battalion NCC, under NCC Group Ludhiana, visited the historic Asal Uttar War Memorial in Punjab. The initiative reflects the government’s vision to promote tourism, development, and a spirit of patriotism in border areas, while inspiring the youth to connect with India’s glorious military heritage.
The Battle of Asal Uttar, fought during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, stands as a landmark victory in India’s military history—symbolizing strategic brilliance and unmatched courage. The memorial, a tribute to the gallant soldiers who laid down their lives in this battle, also houses the grave of Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, the Param Vir Chakra awardee, whose exceptional bravery turned the tide of the war.
The visit was aimed at instilling values of courage, leadership, and unity among cadets while fostering deeper understanding of the nation’s defence legacy.
The participating cadets, drawn from 13 Punjab Battalion and 25 Punjab Battalion, are currently undergoing a 12-day Army Attachment Camp with the Golden Arrow Division, where they are gaining hands-on exposure to military life through training in weapon handling, drill, obstacle courses, and tactical exercises.
During the visit, the cadets participated in a guided tour of the memorial, attended interactive sessions on the Battle of Asal Uttar, and engaged with local communities under the Vibrant Village Programme-II framework. They also paid solemn homage to the Bravehearts of the 1965 war by laying wreaths at the memorial.
The Vibrant Village Programme-II, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, focuses on the holistic development of border villages through infrastructure enhancement, socio-economic empowerment, and cultural preservation. By involving NCC cadets, the programme seeks to nurture a sense of responsibility, discipline, and nation-building spirit among the youth while promoting local heritage and tourism potential in these strategic regions.
This visit to Asal Uttar War Memorial served not only as an educational experience but also as a heartfelt tribute to India’s heroes—reminding the young cadets that the legacy of courage and sacrifice they witnessed is the very foundation upon which the nation stands.
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