In a first, India will be inviting youth delegation from 25 countries to take part in its next year’s Republic Day Parade. The youth will represent the six continents. This will be done as part of a special initiative ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’ to commemorate India’s 75 years of Independence.

In a statement, the Defence Ministry said that the National Cadets Corps (NCC) will be inviting youth from 25 countries. The youth will be in India from January 15 till January 29, 2022, as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’, commemorating 75 years of India’s Independence.

NCC Republic Day Camp is the most prestigious annual event conducted by NCC. It gives numerous life experiences to the participating youth including the Republic Day Parade and the Prime Minister’s NCC Rally. The top dignitaries, including the President and the Prime Minister, are also invited. Various places of historical and cultural importance will be visited as per the plan. The cadets would be exposed to several activities like Yoga, Ayurveda, etc.

 

NCC is already having a Youth Exchange Program with 10 foreign countries – Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Kyrgyz Republic, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Vietnam. These countries will see an addition of 15 more countries namely the USA, Canada, UK, France, Japan, Oman, UAE, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Seychelles. The youth delegations would be invited for the first time from these 15 countries.

Approximately 300 cadets altogether of the National Cadet Corps or equivalent youth organizations from these 25 countries would be invited to participate in the Mega celebrations of Republic Day. As part of the visit, ten youth, along with their supervisors, of each of the 25 countries, will attend important events of Republic Day celebrations.

For the selection of appropriate candidates from these foreign countries in NCC Republic Day Camp, NCC will organize a selection process.

The selection process will happen in these countries in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, Defence Attaches in Indian Embassies in these countries as well as the youth organization of that country. Partner youth organizations have also been identified for the purpose. The process of selection will consider candidates based on their knowledge about India, its achievements in the last 75 years, its culture, and diversity.

The work for selecting the youth is already in progress. The concerned countries have been informed and requested to publicize the quiz completion so that it reaches the maximum youth and the majority is given a chance to participate in the program.

The parade of Republic Day 2021 saw no chief guest due to the Pandemic. It was the first time in 50 years, that there was no foreign guest to witness the parade.