BALACHADIANS MOTIVATIONAL TOUR OF THE DEFENCE ESTABLISHMENTS IN PUNE
Sainik School Balachadi, Jamnagar organizes Educational cum Motivational tour from time to time to motivate Cadets to join Defence Forces. Recently the School organised three days Educational cum Motivational Tour to National Defence Academy Khadakwasla Pune, College of Military Engineering, War Memorial and INS Shivaji Lonavala for 96 Cadets of Class XI escorted by Dr Venkatesh, Mr Jagdish and Mr Bhupendra.
On the first day, Cadets visited College of Military Engineering, Pune. In the establishment, the Cadets gained the knowledge as to how the training of personnel of the Corps of Engineers is carried out along with training in important areas of Combat Engineering and CBRN protection. On the second day of the tour, Cadets visited the War Memorial at HQ Southern Command where Maj Gen Shrey Mehta, MGOL, HQ, Southern Command interacted with the Cadets and motivated them to join NDA. The Cadets were also greeted by the OBSSA, Pune Chapter who also distributed goodies to the Cadets. Cadets were briefed about UPSC NDA and SSB preparation in Bombay Sappers.
On the last day of the tour, Cadets witnessed Commandant’s Review Parade and visited various training infrastructure at National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune. It was a special motivational moment for the Cadets since they also interacted with those ex Balachadians who are now undergoing Officers training at NDA. It was followed by visit to INS Shivaji Lonavala where the Cadets were introduced to a career in Indian Navy. They were taken to Fire Facilities Wing and to the Museum.
After returning from the tour, Cadets are much more motivated and inspired to join the Defence Services as an Officer.
As a part of Swarnim Vijay Varsh, celebration of 50 years of 1971 war victory, “Sea Riders” - a team of 16 Indian Naval Officers including a Lady, part of the Indian Navy Adventure Motorcycle Expedition group visited Sainik School Balachadi, Jamnagar on 14 Sept 2021. The Naval team was led by Capt (IN) Sumeet Puri.
On their arrival in school, the Sea Riders Motorcycle Expedition team were given a warm welcome by the Officers, Staff and Cadets of the school. On this occasion a movie on the Award of President Colour to Naval Aviation was shown. Similarly, the Sea Riders came to know about the school through a documentary.
Speaking on this occasion, the team leader Capt (IN) Sumeet Puri said that the team is undertaking a 6000 kms expedition from Karwar to New Delhi whilst visiting the launching pads of 1971 campaigns on the Western front with an aim to spread awareness in schools and colleges about the significant victory in 1971 war. He congratulated Officers, Staff and Cadets of the school for celebrating the school’s Diamond Jubilee Year. He wished everyone a great health, happiness and success in life.
There was an interactive session in which Cadets of class XII & XI asked many questions to team members about their expedition and Indian Navy which were suitably replied by the Officers of the expedition group.
On this occasion, Gp Capt Ravinder Singh, Principal, Sainik School Balachadi congratulated the Naval Aviation group for receiving the President Colour. He briefed the Cadets about the Naval Aviation group. He admired the achievements of the Indian Navy. He also said any type of adventure expedition contains two factors- ‘Passion’ and ‘Curiosity’ and these two factors ignite the leadership which is an integral part of Indian Defence Forces.
Cadets of other classes and their family members also witnessed the function from their home town virtually. The event culminated with the ‘Vote of Thanks’ given by Lt Cdr Manu Arora, Vice Principal, Sainik School Balachadi.