Mangaluru: Five NCC cadets from St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, brought pride to Karnataka and Goa by representing the Directorate at the Republic Day Parade (RDC) 2026 held in New Delhi. The cadets—SUO Adhik D Shetty, CSM Shlok, JUO Yukthi R Shetty, Cadet Manik S. Kulal, and Cadet Rishith Shetty—were selected through a rigorous multi-stage process and went on to deliver exemplary performances at the national event.

All five cadets are students of St Aloysius University and belong to NCC units under the National Cadet Corps. Four represented the Army Wing of the 18 KAR Battalion, Mangalore Group, while one represented the Air Wing of the 6 KAR Air Squadron NCC, under the Karnataka & Goa Directorate.

Army Wing cadets represent Karnataka & Goa

SUO Adhik D Shetty represented the NCC Army Wing, 18 KAR Battalion, Mangalore Group. Prior to RDC 2026, he completed the Special National Integration Camp 2025 at Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, where his team won a silver medal. At RDC, he earned the honour of participating in the Prime Minister’s Rally as part of the South Zonal Contingent. Serving as a Dainik Darshak, he marched before Narendra Modi and interacted with the Vice President of India, the Chief of Army Staff, the Raksha Rajya Mantri, and the Director General of NCC—reflecting exceptional discipline and leadership.

CSM Shlok also represented the NCC Army Wing, 18 KAR Battalion. He had earlier completed the National-level Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Camp at Hassan, participating actively in cultural and sporting events. At RDC 2026, he took part in the Prime Minister’s Rally and had the privilege of interacting with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director General of NCC, underscoring his commitment and professionalism.

JUO Yukthi R Shetty represented the Army Wing at RDC 2026 and marched on the prestigious Kartavya Path as part of the All-India Kartavya Path Girls Contingent—one among 144 cadets selected nationwide. Serving as a Dainik Darshak from the 18 KAR Battalion, she witnessed the Hon’ble President of India lead the Republic Day celebrations and interacted with the Chief of the Air Staff and the Director General of NCC. Her participation symbolised discipline, dedication, and service at the heart of the nation.

Cadet Manik S. Kulal represented the NCC Army Wing after completing the National-level Special National Integration Camp in Jammu and Kashmir, where he actively participated in cultural and sports activities. At RDC 2026, he was part of the Prime Minister’s Rally within the South Zonal Contingent and served as a Dainik Darshak. He marched before the Prime Minister and interacted with the Raksha Rajya Mantri, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director General of NCC, reflecting outstanding excellence.

Air Wing cadet adds distinction

Cadet Rishith Shetty represented the NCC Air Wing, 6 KAR Air Squadron NCC, Mangalore Group, at RDC 2026. As part of the elite Guard of Honour team, he rendered honours to the Defence Minister of India, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force—demonstrating exceptional precision, dedication, and discipline.

Record achievement for the University

The selection of five cadets for RDC 2026 marks a historic milestone for St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), the highest number of cadets from the institution to be selected for the Republic Day Camp in a single year. The achievement follows months of intense preparation, competitive selection camps, and perseverance.

Congratulatory messages

The cadets were congratulated by Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius University; Lt Col Rohit Prakash Rai, Commanding Officer, 18 KAR BN NCC, Mangalore Group; Wing Commander Praveen Kaveriappa, Commanding Officer, 6 KAR Air Squadron NCC; Capt Shakinraj, ANO, NCC Army Wing; and Fg Offr Alwyn Stephen Misquith, ANO, NCC Air Wing, along with the management and staff of the University.

The cadets’ performance at RDC 2026 stands as a testament to their discipline, resilience, and commitment to national service, bringing honour to their institution and the Karnataka & Goa Directorate.