Military life of Manekshaw screened to students

He was the first Indian army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal

December 17, 2014 09:12 am | Updated 09:12 am IST - MADURAI:

Floral tribute paid to the portrait of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw at Thiagarajar College in the city.  Photo: R. Ashok

Floral tribute paid to the portrait of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw at Thiagarajar College in the city. Photo: R. Ashok

True patriotism does not merely come from cheering our country during a cricket match, but the ability to step forward and serve the country when required, according to C. Ravi, Assistant Professor and Placement Officer at Thiagarajar College.

He was addressing an event organised to mark the centennial birth anniversary of Field Marshal S.H.F.J. Manekshaw, which was observed by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Army-Infantry Division of Thiagarajar College here.

Sam Manekshaw, whose military career spanned four decades, was the first Indian army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal.

“Being part of the NCC trains you to be responsible, and the dedication, discipline and courage taught here should be imbibed for life,” Mr. Ravi said, addressing the NCC cadets of the college. A portrait of the first Indian Field Marshal to be placed at the NCC office of the college was unveiled at the event.

Videos and clippings depicting the military life of the distinguished officer were screened for the cadets as well.

Speaking about the event, N. Arun Nagendran, Company Commander of Thiagarajar College NCC Division, said hosting such gatherings ensured that students were made more aware of the persons who had served the country.

“There is a lot more that students need to know beyond what they learn in classrooms and we try to host such events to honour the memory of the people who have served the country so that it inspires students,” he said.

The NCC (Army-Infantry) Division at the college has 58 students who go to regular camps and have to practise parade marches every week.

Another highlight of the college NCC unit is their NCC office premises in the college which immediately evokes attention from visitors.

Marked by a small brick miniature fort built of bricks and stones arranged in the shape of tanks, there is also an artificial pit full of water and a small bridge laid over it leading to the office.

“Every year, the third year NCC cadets use whatever waste materials they can find on the college campus and innovate in this small space outside the office. The initial structures were built by third-year students four years back and they used wooden planks, bricks and other construction materials found left over on the campus after repair works being carried out.”

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