The National Cadet Corps has its genesis in the University Corps (UC), which was created under the Indian Defence Act 1917 with the objective of making up the shortages in the Army. In 1920, when the Indian Territorial Act was passed, the “University Corps” was replaced by the “University Training Corps” (UTC). In 1942, the UTC was renamed the “University Officer Training Corps” (UOTC). In September 1946, a committee was set up under HN Kunzru for the establishment of a nation with youth organizations covering both schools and colleges. After independence, the NCC came into existence on July 16, 1948, under the NCC Act (No. XXXI of 1948). The NCC is a tri-service organization, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, engaged in grooming the youth of the country into disciplined, patriotic citizens. Its headquarters are located in New Delhi. The NCC in India is a voluntary organization that recruits cadets from high schools, colleges, and universities all over India. The cadets are given basic military training in physical training, small arms, drill, map reading, first aid, and other training. Today, NCC is one of the best extracurricular activities. NCC cadets are taught civil and self-defence and develop team spirit and self-confidence. NCC ‘B’ and ‘C’ certificate holders offer relaxation in the selection criteria for employment in various armed forces, paramilitary forces, as well as central and state government jobs. Therefore, Indian former President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan says, “No student's career is complete if he does not join the NCC".
HISTORY OF NCC in Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College
Our college, NCC Army Senior Division/Senior Wing, was introduced in 2004 under the 7th Tamilnadu Battalion of the Madurai Group. After the establishment of the NCC unit, Capitan.Dr.S. Venkateswaran was the first ANO of E1 Company from June 2004 to February 2018. At presently and second ANO Lieutenant Dr. S. Rajagopal Company Commander at presently College youth movement of NCC unit led by Care Taker of NCC Dr.V. Suresh Babu with 104 cadets including reservation for 33% Senior Wing (Girls) cadets. The cadets are enrolled after various physical examination procedures. MannarThirumalaiNaicker College, NCC cadets participate in various social service and community development activities such as traffic control rally, Swatch Bharat Abhiyan, blood donation camp, awareness on road safety, Aids awareness rally, disaster relief, awareness run against drug abuse, health care, old age home visits, anti-global warming rally, Save the Girls child rally, anti-child labor rally, Anti-Corruption Pledge, rainwater harvesting, making the surrounding area green by planting trees, looking after wildlife, and saving the environment. This has been organized to create social awareness among the public. College NCC cadets have received institutional training (CATC, BLC, TSC, RDC), army attachment camp training; adventure training, and sports activities. Also, to import training and officer-like qualities in them so that they are always ready for the service of the country. The college's NCC has been functioning effectively and extremely well, with constant support from the management. With the support of management, the NCC unit of this college had a positive influence as its cadets inculcated a sense of duty, the spirit of discipline, and the service of the nation. Since 2013 onwards, 56 NCC cadets have joined various uniform services with the support of the NCC ‘B’ and 'C' certificates. More than 10 cadets from our college took part in attachment training with active army personnel around India. During the COVID-19 lockdown period from April 27 to May 15, 2020, our college cadets participated in “Exercise NCC Yogdhan” in Madurai City and Thirumangam. It has an enormous potential for nation-building.