Years ago, as a college student, I took part in multiple NCC camps. It did actually shape quite a bit of my thinking and interactions. I was a highly introvert teenager, happy with her books and 2-3 close friends. Reading always felt much better than talking to people. Then I attended a summer camp for preparation of the republic day parade in Delhi.
It was a tough schedule, waking up early, Stealing tools from the next tent to align ours better, parle-G buicuits (too many packs, I took about a dozen home), music practice late in the night. I take pride in the fact that I participated in a singing competition and came third (leaving out the fact that there were 3 competitors).
However a highly interesting part was, how complete strangers become friends. How conversations were initiated abruptly yet with ease. How my classmate, who was a below average student, shined as an amazing human being carrying extra work load and helping out sick people.
My appreciation for “Catch-22” relies quite a bit on my NCC experience.