The National Cadet Corps (NCC) training should be made compulsory for students for at least two years, was the firm opinion of the Commissioner for NRI affairs, Mr Eduardo Faleiro.

With the implementation of this training programme at a school level, Mr Faleiro added, “we will have physically as well as mentally strong youth in India”.

Mr Faliero was speaking on the occasion of ‘The Navhind Times Ex-NCC Achievers Award 2010’ function organised by the State Ex-cadets NCC Association (SENA).

The function awarded successful candidates in the field of police, law, civil service, politics, sports and literature.

Mr Faliero who was the Chief Guest for the function further said, “Goans have distinguished themselves in the Indian Armed Forces and have displayed military valor and courage at difficult times. The Goan youth should be motivated to join the Armed forces. The starting salary for a commissioned officer in the Armed forces as of today is Rs 35,000 and goes up to about Rs 1 lakh, in addition there are several perks and benefits.”

Mr Faleiro said that NCC fosters a sense of discipline, education and prestige and encourages young minds. Mr Faleiro suggested that scholarships should be awarded by our Government to deserving candidates so that they can prepare themselves for the Central Civil Services examinations at reputed coaching centres in metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.

The speaker of the legislative assembly, Mr Pratapsing Rane was honoured at the hands of the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat for his achievements in the field of politics.  “I believe in discipline and education as these are the two measures by which we can win a war against poverty,” said Mr Rane.

The superintendent of Police, South Goa, Mr Jose Allan De Sa along with advocate, Mr Ajitsingh Rane, the Director of Sports Authority of India, Mr Roque Dias, retired police officer, Mr Finton D’Sa and heads of Public Commission, Mr John Aguiar were awarded the ex-NCC achievers award at the hands of Mr Faleiro.

Mr Kamat said patriotic feelings should be inculcated in students through NCC. The major role behind this should be played by the parents. Recalling the time when he used to attend NCC classes, he credited NCC for instilling in him discipline, taught him important things about propriety etc.

The Director of International Centre Goa, Ms Nandini Sahai voiced an opinion in agreement with Mr Faleiro over the need for compulsory NCC training for students. Ms Sahai said, “NCC should be made compulsory and not voluntary as this aids in shaping personality.” She said a strict NCC regime makes people focused in life.

The award winners have set an example for all to follow, remarked the Guest of Honour, Ms Pallavi Dempo. She expressed her support to the NCC ex-cadet Association who she said are always in the forefront in inculcating social values among the masses.