The Special National Integration Camp (SNIC)–2026, organised by the Andaman and Nicobar NCC Units, commenced at Sri Vijaya Puram with the participation of NCC cadets from across the country. The 10-day camp has brought together cadets from mainland India and the islands with the objective of promoting national integration, cultural understanding and awareness of the strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The camp is designed to differ from routine NCC activities such as annual training camps, competitions, adventure programmes or attachment camps. Its core focus is on exposing cadets to the unique geographical, cultural and strategic features of the islands while fostering unity among participants from diverse regions.
During the initial briefing session, Colonel T. Hariteja, Group Commander of Chennai A Group NCC, outlined the distinctive objectives of the Special National Integration Camp. Cadets were informed that the programme centres on two primary components aimed at broadening their understanding beyond conventional training modules.
As part of the first component, cadets will undertake guided visits to several locations across Middle and South Andaman. These visits are intended to familiarise participants with the islands’ distinctive climate, natural environment, and biodiversity, including their rich flora and fauna. The exposure is aimed at helping cadets from the mainland understand the ecological conditions and geographic realities of the islands, which differ significantly from other parts of the country.
The second major component of the camp focuses on the strategic and defence importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Cadets will visit selected military establishments under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, India’s only tri-services command. The command integrates the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard under a unified structure, making it a unique operational setup within the country’s defence framework. Through these visits, cadets are expected to gain insight into joint-service operations and the strategic role of the islands in India’s maritime and national security architecture.
In addition to field visits, academic and orientation sessions form a key part of the camp schedule. As part of this, Lt. Dr. Vivek Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor and Associate NCC Officer at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Sri Vijaya Puram, delivered a presentation on the cultural and historical significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The session highlighted the islands’ layered history and their role in India’s freedom struggle, along with their continuing relevance in the national context.
The presentation also focused on the indigenous tribal groups of the islands, drawing attention to their traditions, social structures and way of life. The emphasis was placed on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a living example of cultural diversity and unity, reflecting the broader ethos of national integration that the camp seeks to promote.
Throughout the 10-day programme, cadets will document their experiences and learning, particularly in relation to the islands’ history, cultural diversity and strategic importance. The camp aims to encourage participants to engage directly with the region, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ place within India.
The Special National Integration Camp–2026 is expected to conclude with cadets returning to their respective units equipped with enhanced awareness of regional diversity, national unity and the strategic dimensions of the islands, reinforcing the NCC’s broader mandate of nation-building through youth engagement.
