New Delhi, Jan 9 : Vice President Hamid Ansari inaugurated the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp-2009 here today.

A contingent of NCC cadets from all the three wings - Army, Navy and Air Force, presented a guard of honour to the Vice President on his arrival at the NCC camp, Delhi Cantonment.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari said that the cadets hailing from different parts of the country with different linguistic and religious background represented a ''Mini India.''

"I have always been of the view that NCC is an excellent training for the youth and should be joined by as many as possible. In fact, I hold the view it should be made an essential part of education," said Ansari.

He also added that NCC cadets would rise above every form of parochialism and regionalism and developed a brand national outlook to make a united and unshakable India.

Around 1900 cadets including both boys and girls from 17 NCC Directorates covering all the States and Union Territories of the country are taking part in the Republic Day Camp.

The main attraction of the occasion was the spectacular band from Sainik School, Kapurthala, North East State, Pilani and Scindia Band being performed by young boys and girl cadets of NCC.

The cadets will take part in a number of activities like cultural, national integration awareness and institution training competitions.

The camp will culminate with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh''s rally on January 28. (ANI)