6 Karnataka Air Squadron NCC, Mangalore Conducts NCC ATC 2025 at St Joseph Engineering College

Mangaluru: The 6 Karnataka Air Squadron NCC, Mangalore, is currently conducting the Annual Training Camp (ATC) 2025 at St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor, from 24 May 2025 to 02 June 2025. This 10-day camp has brought together 433 enthusiastic cadets from 11 institutions across Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu districts for a comprehensive and enriching training experience.

The camp aims to instil patriotism, unity, discipline, leadership, and camaraderie among the cadets through a well-structured schedule of activities. Cadets are also receiving hands-on training in 0.22 rifle firing, skeet shooting, quad copter building, drill, yoga, and plantation activities.

In addition to physical training, the camp focuses on holistic development through a variety of games, sports competitions, and cultural programs that promote team spirit and provide a platform to showcase talent. A special highlight of the camp is an educational visit to the NCC Hangar and Air Traffic Control Complex at Mangalore International Airport, where cadets are familiarized with the Microlight Virus SW-80 Aircraft and the functioning of ATC services at the Old Bajpe airport. This visit provided cadets with valuable insights into aviation operations.

The camp is being organized under the command of Camp Commandant Wing Commander Parveen Bishnoi and Deputy Camp Commandant Lieutenant Colonel P.S. Chauhan. The activities are further enriched by the active involvement of Group Commander, Mangalore, Col. Viraj Kamath. The air staff of the 06 Karnataka Air Squadron NCC and the Associate NCC Officers (ANOs) of all participating institutions, including Sh. Nandan B.K., ANO of St Joseph Engineering College, are dedicatedly involved in enhancing the cadets’ overall learning and military training.

The cadets’ day begins early, with wake-up at 5:00 AM, followed by physical training and yoga, then drill sessions. The morning continues with lectures on NCC common subjects and specialized aviation topics such as Principles of Flight, Aircraft Standard Operating Procedures, Airframe, Instruments, Meteorology, Airmanship, and Navigation.

Afternoon sessions include guest lectures by eminent speakers on a wide range of topics including cybercrime, personality development, military leadership, freshwater fishes of the Western Ghats, the art of public speaking, gender equity, traffic safety and security, first aid training, disaster management, animal welfare and rescue, fire hazards, and marine and terrestrial life.

Cadets are also trained in 0.22 rifle firing, where they practice targeting at 25 yards, learning techniques in both grouping and application. In addition to core NCC activities, the camp organizes competitions in various categories such as 0.22 grouping, 0.22 application, individual drill, contingent drill, written exams on special air subjects, general knowledge, and current affairs.

Social responsibility is emphasized through participation in initiatives like the Clean India Campaign, promoting cleanliness and hygiene at the campsite. Cultural values are also encouraged through informal cultural gatherings, where cadets prepare and perform in group songs, dances, debates, and skits.

The overarching goal of these diverse activities and competitions is to foster a healthy competitive spirit among the cadets, encouraging them to excel in all areas of life and grow into informed, capable, and responsible youth contributing to the vision of a rising India.