Ooty arts college student to take part in Republic Day parade in Delhi

A student from the 31^st Independent Company of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in the Nilgiris, studying at the Government Arts College in Udhagamandalam, is to take part in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, a press release from the college stated.

S. Dinesh Kumar, from Sulur in Coimbatore, is a third-year student pursuing a degree in Defence Studies at the college, the release further stated.

He was felicitated on Thursday (January 22, 2026) by principal Franklin Jose, as well as the college staff, including Group Captain and professor at the college, S. Vijay. “The 31^st Independent Company of the NCC in the Nilgiris comprises around 100 students. They have accomplished multiple feats in the NCC camps held across the country. Many of the cadets from the unit have also gone onto join the army, the Tamil Nadu police, and the fire service,” the press release added.

The Nilgiris administration, meanwhile, announced that the Republic Day functions in the dsitrict will be held at 10 a.m. on January 26 at the Government Arts College grounds in Udhagamandalam. Nilgiris district collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru will participate in the event and unfurl the tricolor during the event. The district administration said that various cultural programmes will also be held as part of the celebrations and extended its invitation to members of the public.