Nagpur :- 1. The Maharashtra Directorate contingent, comprising 38 outstanding NCC cadets, proudly represented the Directorate with pride and distinction at the prestigious All India Vayu Sainik Camp (AIVSC) 2025 and is returning to Nagpur today. Their journey to this national platform was a rigorous trial of discipline, determination, and teamwork, beginning with the fierce Inter Group Competition (IGC) held at Saoner, Nagpur which was won by the Nagpur Group. At the IGC, cadets from 1 MAH AIR SQN NCC Mumbai, 2 MAH AIR SQN NCC Nagpur and 3 MAH AIR SQN NCC Pune competed against one another, each striving to win the coveted IGC trophy and secure their place in the team advancing to the Pre Vayu Sainik Camps (PVSC).
2. Following the IGC, the selected cadets moved on to the challenging PVSC 1 and 2 at HQMC, IAF Nagpur. These preparatory camps shaped the final contingent through rigorous training in drill, shooting, aeromodelling, and more. Under the mentorship of the Group Commander, COs, and PI staff, cadets refined their skills, overcame weaknesses, and received continuous feedback. This intensive phase ensured only the best were chosen to represent Maharashtra Directorate at the national stage of AIVSC.
3. At AIVSC 2025, the Maharashtra contingent competed alongside cadets from 16 Directorates across the country, each striving for excellence in one of the toughest and most prestigious national-level NCC competitions. The camp tested cadets across a wide spectrum of events, including Best Pilot Competition, Rifle Shooting (.22 Rifle and Skeet Shooting), Written Examinations, Aeromodelling (Radio Control, Control Line, and Static), Tent Pitching, Health & Hygiene, Drone Flying and Drill Competition. Each event demanded unwavering focus, endurance, and technical precision, ensuring that only those with the highest levels of preparation and resilience could succeed.
The Maharashtra Directorate contingent delivered an exceptional performance, securing top honours across multiple events. Team was led by Contingent Commander Flying Officer Harish Kutemate (SD ANO) and Deputy Contingent Commander Flying Officer Swathi (SW ANO). The aeromodelling instructors Mr Dhananjay, Mr Jay deep and Mr Harshad Kavde of Air wing NCC in the state have been instrumental in this victory. In the Health and Hygiene competition, CWO VIPIN GAJBHIYE won the Gold medal, while in .22 Firing, CWO Aadya Pandey earned the Silver medal. The Best Pilot (SD) category brought further glory, with Cdt/Sgt NITIN SHARMA clinching Gold, Cdt/Cpl RAJESHWAR JADHAV securing Silver, and Cdt PRATHAMESH JOSHI winning Bronze. In the Best Pilot (SW) category, Cdt SAKSHI HAZARI emerged victorious with a Gold medal. The Directorate also excelled in Aeromodelling (Control Line), where Cdt PRATHAMESH JOSHI and Cdt PRITI DESHMUKH secured the Gold. Adding to these achievements, the Maharashtra Directorate was awarded the prestigious BEST FLYING CONTINGENT Trophy and was also adjudged the Second BEST AIR CONTINGENT of AIVSC 2025.
The cadets of Maharashtra Directorate showcased remarkable dedication throughout the camp, reflecting the values of discipline, leadership, and teamwork. Their journey was not merely about competing but about embodying the true spirit of the NCC—pushing boundaries, proving resilience, and demonstrating that excellence is achieved not by chance but through relentless effort and collective resolve.
This success story stands on the foundation of unwavering support and exemplary leadership from several quarters. A special token of gratitude is owed to the Maharashtra Directorate and Group Captain Khushal Vyas , Group Commander , Nagpur Group for their invaluable guidance and vision. The contingent’s success would not have been possible without the steadfast support of the Headquarters Maintenance Command (HQMC), Indian Air Force, Nagpur. Maharashtra extends sincere thanks to the three pillars of Air Wing NCC in the state: 1 MAH AIR SQN, Mumbai, 2 MAH AIR SQN, Nagpur and 3 MAH AIR SQN, Pune along with the Commanding Officers of these respective units. The dedicated PI Staff, the ever-supportive civilian staff, and the cadets of these units all played a crucial role. Their collective contribution in training, mentoring and equipping the contingent was instrumental in rising to the occasion and achieve this distinction.
In the words of John Quincy Adams, “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” The Maharashtra contingent’s journey to AIVSC 2025 is a true reflection of this spirit—an inspiring reminder that with hard work, discipline, and unity of purpose, even the steepest challenges can be turned into milestones of glory. These 38 NCC cadets have become an inspiration for many students to strive for excellence.