Sunday, August 2, 2026

Ex-NCC Cadets Association-Goa Pays Glowing Tribute to Kargil Heroes on 27th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas

Ex-NCC Cadets Association-Goa Pays Glowing Tribute to Kargil Heroes on 27th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
Panaji, 26 July 2026: Calling upon the youth to draw inspiration from the courage, discipline and selfless service of the Indian Armed Forces, Chief Guest Shri Sanjeev Gadkar, IAS, Secretary, Civil Supplies, Government of Goa, said that the sacrifices of the Kargil martyrs must continue to inspire every Indian to uphold the values of patriotism, national unity and national service. He was addressing the 27th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorated by the Ex-NCC Cadets Association-Goa in Association with 1 Goa Battalion NCC Goa and Goa Human resource Development Corporation with solemnity and patriotic fervour at the Martyrs' Memorial, Azad Maidan, Panaji, on Sunday. The programme commenced with the arrival of guests and invitees, followed by a brief outline of the event by Shri John Aguiar. President of the Ex-NCC Cadets Association-Goa, Shri Sunil Shet, welcomed the Chief Guest, Celebrity Guest and distinguished veterans. A solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony and floral tributes were held at the Martyrs' Memorial. Wreaths were first laid by Shri Sunil Shet, Col. Balkrishna Shirodkar (Retd.), Capt. Utpal Dutta, NM (Retd.), Ms. Hema Sardesai, and Shri Sanjeev Gadkar, IAS, Secretary, Civil Supplies, Government of Goa. Thereafter, all other dignitaries and participants paid floral tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. Two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the Kargil Martyrs. Speaking on the occasion. Capt. Utpal Dutta, NM (Retd.), shared his experiences during Operation Vijay, recalling the vital role played by the Indian Navy during the Kargil conflict and highlighting the dedication and courage of the Armed Forces. Col. Balkrishna Shirodkar (Retd.) paid rich tributes to the Kargil heroes and emphasised the importance of remembering their supreme sacrifice and inspiring future generations with their patriotism. Renowned singer Hema Sardesai, the Celebrity Guest, paid heartfelt homage to the martyrs and stressed the need for a full-fledged War Memorial in Goa. Recalling her association with the War Memorial Committee in Delhi, she emotionally rendered a few lines from the iconic patriotic song "Mere Watan Ke Logon," moving the audience. Immediate Past President Shri Pradip Sawant, Members Smt. Bhavana Chodankar, Laxmi Parab, Mayur Kalyankar, Sadika Buddashet and Shri Kalpesh Madhu Naik were present. Col HS Dhanoa of 1 Goa BN NCC was kind enough to lend armed contingent with one Junior Commissioned Officer and three Non Commissioned Officers for the solemn drill on the occasion. Similarly an contingent of Human Resource Development Corporation was present led by its Security Officer Shri Vilas Desai. Earlier, Shri John Aguiar highlighted the long-pending need for a permanent War Memorial in Goa. He suggested that the old structure located opposite Kala Academy could be suitably converted into a dedicated War Memorial to honour the sacrifices of India's brave soldiers and preserve their legacy for future generations. The function concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Smt. Smriti Kothare Mardolkar, while the programme was compered by Shri Amol Vani.

Saturday, September 20, 2025

25th Kargil Vijay Diwas -2024 DGNCC Lt. Gen. Gurbirpal Singh PVSM AVSM VSM attends










 

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 - Air Marshal Sandesh Prabhakar Wagle, PVSM VM Retd



 







Visit to Raj Bhavan and calling in the Hon. Governor of Goa Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju in August 12, 2025.





 

New Committe of Ex NCC takes over

 

New Committee of Ex NCC takes over 2025-2027.

President:-Prof. Sunil Shet  

IPP: Shri Pradip Sawant

Vice Presidents:

 1. Lt. Col. Austin Collaco (Retd.)

 2. Capt. Utpal Dutta, NM (Retd )

 3. Col. Balkrishna Shirodkar (Retd.)

4. Smt. Pallavi Salgaonkar


Secretary:   Adv. Eeshan Usapkar

Org. Secretary: Shri Anish Mayekar

Jt. Secretary: Smt. Elvida Fernandes

Treasurer:  Smt. Smriti Kothare

Jt. Treasurer: Shri Navin Acharya


 ** 

Exe. Members:

1. Smt. Bhavana Chodankar

   2. Shri Vikrant Prabhudesai

3. Shri Mayur Kalyankar

4. Shri Keshav Prabhu

5. Shri Govind Lotlikar

6. Laxmi Parab

7. Shri Anant Joshi

8. Mily Rodrigues


Advisors:

1. Air Vice Msl Sunil Nanodkar AVSM VM VSM (Retd.)

2. Shri John Aguiar

3. Shri Shrikant Virginkar

4. Shri Manoj Hede


Digambar Kamat presents NCC Cadet Achievers Awards

 

Digambar Kamat presents NCC Cadet Achievers Awards


PWD Minister Shri Digambar Kamat was the Chief Guest at The Navhind Times Ex-NCC Achievers function organised by the Ex-NCC Cadets Association at Surendrababu Timblo hall in Panjim on September 20, 2025..
In his speech he said that the training imparted by the NCC instils character and virtues of dedication, discipline, commitment and team work. He went on to say that although the NCC is going strong in the country there is a need increase its base even further. More school and college students must be encouraged and motivated to join the NCC.
He also went on to say that it was a moment of great joy and a privilege for her to be amongst erstwhile members of National Cadet Corps. Shri Kamat expressed a feeling of nostalgia as he was reminded of his NCC days.

Air Marshal Sandesh Wagle, PVSM VM (Retd.) said that "Unity and Discipline" is the official motto of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) of India, a youth organization that aims to develop character, leadership, and a sense of service among young people to prepare them for leadership roles in society and the nation's defense services. The motto was chosen to emphasize the importance of teamwork and adherence to rules and values as a path to building strong, responsible citizens. 

Editor of The Navhind Times Shri Vijay De Souza congratulated the awardees and said that it was a proud moment to be associated with the programme. She said that Navhind Times strives towards addressing social causes.

Achievers awards were presented to Brig Dr. Kiran Thacker (Personality Development Trainer) Dr Mrs. Pramod Salgaoncar (Lady Entrepreneur), Col. Balkrishna Shirodkar(Defence-Army Engineer), Shri Yatindra Maralkar, IAS (Public Service), Sri Vikramsingh Bhosle ( RIver Navigation), Shri Minesh Tar (Road Transport Authority ), Shri Mario Pinto De Santana (village Panchayat grassroot Governanc ) , Adv. Navdeep Aguiar (Legal profession), Shri Anuj Hari Prabhu (Film and Television), Shri Sudesh Babli Gaonkar (Teaching-Physicsal Education). Also Mast Vedang Anay Kamat (Robotic mission and ZRobo race), Akshata Atmaram Gauns (Best Cadets), JUO. Hiren John Baptist (Best Cadets), SUO Bhoomi Jain (Best Cadets), Jauzo Shresth Devidas Fadte( Best Cadets) and Shri Amrut Singh (Animal Rescue).

Earlier President of the Association Shir Pradip Sawant welcomed the gathering, IPP Shri John Aguiar introduced the guests, Secretary Shri Sunil Shet presented the Annual report while Smt. Siddhi Mardolkar proposed a vote of thanks.
The function was competed by Adv. Eeshan Usapkar. The new committe of the Ex ZnCC Cadets Association headed by President Shri Sunil Shet took over on the occasion.

The Ex-NCC achievers awards have been instituted since 2007 by The Navhind Times publication together with the ex-NCC cadets association for Ex-NCC achievers.
.





Wednesday, November 30, 2022

EX NCC ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2022 PRESENTED

 EX NCC ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2022  PRESENTED




Awards are a way to encourage good behaviour and inculcate competitive spirit. The awards to Ex NCC achievers will surely motivate and encourage  the NCC cadets said Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area Rear Admiral Vikram Menon,VSM, at  Ex-NCC Achievers Awards 2022 ceremony at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji on Wednesday November 30, 2022.

The awards were to honor ex-NCC achievers for excelling in various fields and to motivate them and inculcate in them a sense of self-discipline, responsibility and patriotism.

The chief guest for the ceremony, Rear Admiral Menon, felicitated the ex-NCC achiever at the glittering function.

The recipients of the awards included ten Ex-NCC Achievers in different fields. Those selected for this year's awards were  Governor of Himachal Pradesh Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Shri Anant Joshi- (Defence), Dr. Firoz Kadar Badasab -Sr. Scientist, Shri Siddhart Mehta (Business), Shri Deepak Bandekar-GCS Officer, Dr. Manoj Hede-(Sports), Adv. Eshan Usapkar (Law ) ,Ms. Nehanda Taveres (Police) , Smt. Vidhya Kakodkar (Banking), Smt. Mily Rodrigues-(Teaching). The award of Hon Arlekar was received by his son Adv. Amog Arlekar. Two Special Awards were presented to Shri Vikrant Prabhudesai-(Entrepreneur) and  Shri Mayur Kalyankar- (Shooting). Covid warrior Awards were presented to Smt. Bhakti Devidas-Goa Police and Smt. Rupali Pande-Staff Nurse GMC.


Speaking at the awards function, Rear Admiral Menon said the Ex NCC cadets Association is doing a commendable job to motivate and inspire the young. When there is so much negativism around this association it is here to spread positive energy by honouring successful personalities which is praise worthy. When  you have an inspiration before you it re doubles it re doubles your effort. He said NCC helps in Nation Building and community service  and shape the Youth of the nation into dynamic and responsible citizens of the country.He appreciated the commitment of NCC cadets marching in Delhi     RDC in chilling winter.They have to wake up early in the morning to go out for a drill and they are ready well before the regular jawans.

Group Commander Col. K. Srinivas said that the formation of an Alumni Association at the National level is a commendable effort to bring together all those who have been associated with NCC. NCC alumni from across India should  enrich the NCC Alumni Association with their support and participation in the activities of the Association. The Government of India has made many efforts to make the NCC experience even more vibrant and meaningful.All ex-NCC cadets can register themselves on http://indiancc.nic.in and become members of the NCC Alumni Association.'


 He hoped that the  efforts within the NCC will contribute to this larger goal of nation building. He  complimented the Association  for the spectacular awards ceremony and  sincerely hope that the Ex Cadets will continue to enrich the legacy of NCC and contribute to the greater glory of the motherland.

Editor of The Navhind Times Mr N.Venkateswaran  also Spoke on the occasion.

Adv. Eshan Usapkar expressed his views on the occasion.

President, State Ex-Cadets NCC Association, Shrl John Aguiar earlier in his welcome address said that the Ex cadets exhibit such qualities that will not only help them in achieving their goals, but also bring the glory of success to NCC and their families. Today, we have gathered here not just to celebrate the achievements of Ex- Cadets, but also to give due regard to our values and morals which these awardees exemplify, like discipline, compassion and zeal for learning.

 Project Manager Pradip Sawant briefed about the awards ceremony. Secretary Shri Sunil Shet read out the Annual report  while Smt. Smriti Kothare Proposed a vote of thanks.  Smt. Pallavi Salgaonkar compered and Sadika Buddaseth introduced the guests. Mrs Anupama Srinivas, Col. Srikant Nathan, Admin. Officer, 1 Goa Bn NCC, Col. B. S. Charak,Shri Pralhad Mayekar,Shri Shrikant Virginkar, Laxmi Parab, Bhavana Chodankar were also present on the occasion.