The NCC Cadet Who Ran Towards Danger The Akshardham Rescue Story

On 24 September 2002, terrorists attacked the Akshardham Temple complex at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Inside were ordinary visitors — families, women and children.

Among those present was Senior Under Officer Bimal Jagdishchandra Kapadia, an NCC cadet.

He was not a commando.

He was not part of an armed assault team.

But when people needed help, he acted.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Bimal disregarded his personal safety and helped evacuate women and children who were held up inside the temple complex. His actions helped save innocent lives.

This was not his first act of public service.

During communal disturbances in Gujarat, he had earlier worked with his NCC unit to assist the civil administration in maintaining peace. Local authorities had also recognised him as a “Friend of the Police” for his service.

For his courage and service, he received the Raksha Mantri Padak at the NCC Republic Day Camp in January 2004. The award, instituted in 1989, recognises outstanding bravery or exceptional service by NCC personnel.

That is what makes his story remarkable.

NCC cadets train in drill, discipline, camps and leadership.

Most may never expect those lessons to be tested during a terrorist attack.

Bimal’s were.

When faced with a simple choice —

move away from danger, or help those who could not —

he chose to help.

Perhaps that is the deeper meaning of NCC training.

Not merely learning how to stand in formation.

But learning when to step out of it.

DeltaTac — Discover the stories behind courage, service and the uniform.