The National Cadet Corps (NCC) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands witnessed a ceremonial transition of leadership as cadets and officers bid farewell to Colonel Pankaj Modgil, who relinquished command of the 1 (AN) Independent Infantry Company. The occasion also marked the assumption of charge by Colonel Kanwar Yudheshwar Singh, who took over responsibilities following Colonel Modgil’s transfer.
The event was conducted in the presence of Associate NCC Officers (ANOs), Permanent Instructors, civilian staff and cadets from both the Army and Naval wings of the NCC. The gathering underscored the ceremonial dignity with which the command handover took place, highlighting the NCC’s traditions of discipline and continuity.
Colonel Modgil’s tenure, spanning three years, was noted for raising the standards of training and expanding the scope of NCC activities in the islands. Under his leadership, cadets participated in camps, parades and social service initiatives that strengthened their exposure to leadership and civic responsibility. His period in charge also saw improvements in drill discipline, adventure training, and community engagement, all aimed at ensuring cadets gained holistic development beyond classroom instruction.
The farewell ceremony gave cadets an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the outgoing officer’s leadership. For many, his tenure was marked by encouragement to take initiative, excel in physical training and imbibe the values of the NCC motto, unity and discipline. The transition also provided a platform for recognizing the collective efforts of instructors and civilian staff who supported NCC programmes during the period.
Colonel Kanwar Yudheshwar Singh’s assumption of command signals continuity in the NCC’s mission of youth development. His leadership will involve guiding cadets through rigorous training schedules, supporting participation in national events, and maintaining the NCC’s contribution to social causes across the islands. For cadets, the change in leadership represents both a moment of farewell and an opportunity to look forward to fresh guidance and initiatives.
The NCC, which operates under the Ministry of Defence, plays a critical role in shaping young students into responsible citizens by blending military training with civic responsibilities. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, its role is particularly important, as it gives youth from geographically remote areas an opportunity to experience discipline, service and leadership within a structured framework.
Over the years, the 1 (AN) Independent Infantry Company has produced cadets who have gone on to represent the islands at Republic Day parades and national-level camps. The unit’s activities also include community service such as tree plantation, blood donation and disaster relief support, which resonate strongly in a region vulnerable to natural calamities.
Leadership transitions like this are more than symbolic. They represent the institutional resilience of the NCC and its ability to maintain continuity while adapting to new challenges. As Colonel Singh takes charge, his priorities are expected to include building on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, expanding participation, and aligning cadet training with evolving national and regional requirements.
For cadets who witnessed the farewell and assumption ceremony, the event reinforced the NCC’s emphasis on discipline, tradition and duty. It also gave them a chance to reflect on the values instilled by one leader while preparing to follow the direction of another.
The orderly transition demonstrates the NCC’s commitment to grooming youth in an environment that respects continuity while embracing change. As the new commander assumes responsibility, the cadets of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remain poised to carry forward the organization’s ideals of service and discipline under fresh leadership.
