NCC Chronicles: A Journey of Leadership, Adventure, and Lifelong Friendships

During my college years at SD College Alappuzha, I had the privilege of serving as a Senior Under Officer in the No. 2 Company of the 11 Kerala Battalion in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Being part of an esteemed group of around 250 NCC cadets, including both boys from the Senior Division (SD) and girls from the Senior Wing (SW), was a source of immense pride. Through my active participation in various camps, winning accolades, and forging lifelong friendships, my NCC journey left an indelible mark on my life.

Camp Experiences and Leadership Roles: My involvement in NCC camps provided me with invaluable opportunities to grow as a leader, strengthen my character, and acquire vital skills. Noteworthy among my camp experiences are:

1. Annual Modus Operandi Camp (AMC) in Alappuzha: At the AMC held in our college, I had the honor of serving as the Camp Senior. This role allowed me to organize and lead activities, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for all the participating cadets.

2. National-Level Trekking Camp in Ranchi: Representing the Kerala battalion, I embarked on an adventurous journey as the Camp Senior at the national-level trekking camp in Ranchi. Leading a team of enthusiastic cadets, we conquered challenging terrains, fostering resilience and team spirit.

3. Army Attachment Camp at Madras Regimental Core (MRC): The Army Attachment Camp at MRC in Tamil Nadu near Mettupalayam provided a rare glimpse into the functioning of the armed forces. This immersive experience instilled discipline, commitment, and a deep sense of patriotism within me.

Notable Achievements and Events: Alongside my camp experiences, I actively participated in events hosted by the NCC, making valuable contributions and representing the organization:

1. National Integration Camp (NIC): Our college had the honor of hosting an NIC camp, where cadets from across the country converged to promote national unity. This event brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange and lifelong friendships.

2. Special Police Officer in Elections and Nehru Trophy Boat Race: As a Special Police Officer, I played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections, contributing to the democratic process. Additionally, I volunteered at the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, embracing teamwork and representing the NCC in a renowned cultural event.

3. Republic Day Parades and Selfless Gesture: While participating in several Republic Day parades in Alappuzha, a bittersweet moment unfolded when it was my turn to lead the group. Moved by a junior cadet's plea for a chance to lead, I selflessly gave up my opportunity, knowing it would be his only chance. Witnessing his success filled me with immense satisfaction, highlighting the selflessness and camaraderie fostered within the NCC.

Lifelong Friendships and Recognition: My NCC journey not only provided enriching experiences but also blessed me with enduring friendships. Individuals like Vinod Kallupurakkal, Shajahan, Stephan, Paramesh Hariharan, Alex, Sudip Onampallimadom, Mahesh, and many more became an integral part of my NCC family.

Moreover, one of the most cherished moments was receiving a letter of appreciation from the camp Commanding Officer, Colonel, acknowledging my leadership qualities in resolving conflicts during a challenging cross-trekking expedition. Such recognition reaffirmed my pride in being trained by the NCC and the valuable lessons imbibed during my college years.

Conclusion: My NCC journey at SD College Alappuzha was a transformative period filled with leadership opportunities, adventure, and lifelong friendships

Loyalty is an important quality - A dog princess in the cat's world

During interviews, one question I always ask, particularly to graduates, is how long they envision working for the organization if they are hired. This inquiry serves two purposes: to gauge the consistency of responses and to observe candidates' reactions. However, in reality, the response does not hold significant importance since it largely depends on how employees are treated within the organization. Nevertheless, there is an increasing trend of job hopping within shorter timeframes. In the Indian software industry, the average tenure is less than three years. Therefore, companies with longer average tenures demonstrate higher employee loyalty and satisfaction.

There is a popular phrase that says, "I work for money; if you want loyalty, hire a dog," often accompanied by an image of a lion in the background. However, let's consider another perspective on this imagery. In truth, a lion is simply a large cat. The perception of mightiness and royalty associated with lions comes from stories we hear since childhood. This is not to discredit lions; as a Leo myself, I have watched "The Lion King" countless times. Nevertheless, the concept of the lion being the king of the jungle is a constructed image in our minds. In reality, a lion is just a big cat.

A cat will only stay with you when it needs your protection and food. It may enjoy the comforts you provide, but no matter how well you treat it, it can never truly be loyal. When faced with danger, a cat will be the first to flee. It will remain pleasant to you as long as you continue to provide for its needs or until a better opportunity arises. The moment a cat finds a more favorable situation, it will leave, regardless of the circumstances. Cats never miss an opportunity to steal and indulge, even if it means taking the milk meant for your child. Their primary concern is always their own well-being.

In the IT industry, I have come across individuals who advise, "Do not love your company, but love your job." While it is essential to find joy in your work, true job satisfaction comes when you contribute to a cause larger than yourself and strive to make your company proud. This is the essence of loyalty. Many people have dedicated themselves to organizations for extended periods, and one can observe the deep respect they hold for their employer even after retirement. The level of satisfaction these individuals experience cannot be easily replaced or replicated. This is something a cat could never comprehend.

Loyalty itself is not inherently negative; it depends on what or whom you are loyal to. If loyalty were an undesirable quality, why do organizations have loyalty programs? Why do we recognize long-serving individuals in various companies? Long-term commitment can only yield success when it is coupled with contributions that benefit the organization. If you consistently fail to bring value to your employer due to your mere presence, what can you expect in return? Loyalty does not mean remaining with the same organization without making any positive impact. It involves embracing challenges and adapting to the changing industry landscape. We must actively contribute to the culture of our organization to create a better environment for everyone involved. While some may struggle to grasp the concept of loyalty, I have witnessed team members who revisit their previous teams, engaging in positive social interactions. Their actions stem from the love they have for both their team and the organization.

In the animal kingdom, there is no better friend to humans than a dog. Dogs are renowned for their loyalty, dedication, and unwavering support. They perform their duties with utmost diligence and are always there for you. Recognizing their efforts and showing them love is all they require. If you provide them with training, they embrace it wholeheartedly, utilizing their newfound knowledge to excel. Conversely, cats are unwilling to undertake any work you may assign to them. Even if they do, it would be akin