Blood for the Nation

16 Days, 8 countries, 65 cadets. That was how long the ICEP India Republic Day lasted.

If many of us were wooed by the promise of Taj Mahal, it was nothing compared to the friendship and insight gained from the interaction with officers and cadets from the different countries. It was really a platform to see how our cadets faired compared to cadets from other countries. Isn't that the best benchmark to see how well our education system has succeeded or failed?

The Bangledeshi cadets were the most just impressive, with either double degrees or honours under their belts, they were confident yet respectful, always attended to their officer and made sure that cadets from other countries were engaged. The team spirit that they exemplified among themselves was also remarkable. From carrying the ladies' sandals to carrying the ladies' bags, there was nothing they wouldn't do to look after their friends. They were also very talented. They could sing and dance, and our nights would have been boring without them.

The Bhutanese were a surprise too. I was amazed at how well they speak and carry themselves. I was even more surprised at the influence of the Hindi movies and Hindi songs that had enveloped their country. Though they don't read Hindi, they sure know all the Hindi songs. The income disparity between them and us was painfully obvious, but they made up for it with their candidness and the pride they have for their king and their country.

If there was one thing that really bond all of us together, it was definitely not be the nightly dancing, but the waiting and bureaucarcy that all of us had to put up with. While the hospitality and sincerity extended by our Indian host was touching, the security that we had to go through was frustrating. A country as big as India, with cultures and traditions as diversified as India, will have to fight a tooth and a nail to get any message across.

The memories that I took away with me is more than the brick and mortar. The distinguished Bangledeshi officer who took it upon himself to chaperone both the cadets and the teacher officers, the steadfast Sir Hussein, the live-wire of the group - Mr Bhutan, are people who had made this trip unforgettable. Last but not least, the passion and commitment that the Indian cadets have in NCC and their country were just as compelling.