‘The most memorable moment for me was when the Prime Minister walked through the Cariappa Parade Ground and stopped right in front of me’ 

Sahil Chawla, an NSS volunteer pursuing B.Voc. in E-Commerce and Digital Marketing at Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, proudly represented Punjab in the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. As one of only two boys selected from the state for the NSS Marching Contingent, he showcased discipline, leadership, and Punjab’s vibrant cultural spirit on a prestigious national platform. In this interview, he shares his experience of performing in the presence of the Hon’ble President of India, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, and the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports. Read edited excerpts: 

How did it feel to represent Apeejay College of Fine Arts and the state of Punjab at the Republic Day Parade on such a prestigious national platform?

It was honestly one of the most emotional and proud moments of my life. When I stood there representing Apeejay College of Fine Arts and the state of Punjab, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. I wasn’t just standing as an individual — I was carrying the name of my college, my teachers who guided me, my fellow volunteers, and the spirit of Punjab.

Coming from a state known for its courage and sacrifices, I felt proud to represent that legacy on such a prestigious national platform. There were moments when I paused and realized, ‘This is bigger than me.’ It was about discipline, unity, and the honour of serving the nation. That experience didn’t just make me proud — it made me more confident, more grounded, and more committed to serving society.

Being one of only two boys selected from Punjab for the NSS Marching Contingent is a rare achievement. Can you share insights into the selection process and the preparation involved?

Being one of only two boys selected from Punjab for the NSS Marching Contingent was truly a proud and unforgettable achievement for me. The selection process was gradual and highly competitive at every stage.

It began at the college level, where our performance in NSS activities, discipline, and physical fitness were evaluated. From there, I was selected for the university level, where the competition became tougher. After clearing that stage, I moved on to the state-level selection camp, where only the best volunteers from different universities across Punjab were shortlisted. After that, I attended the Pre-Republic Day North Zone Camp, where volunteers from 8 different states participated. Competing at that level was challenging because we were not only evaluated on marching but on our overall personality.

The selection criteria included marching precision, synchronization, stamina, command response, discipline, and posture. Along with that, cultural performance, stage confidence, communication skills, and knowledge about NSS and national issues were also assessed. 

The preparation was intense — long hours of marching drills, practice for cultural performances like Bhangra and playing the dhol, and continuous assessments on discipline, stamina, and synchronisation. It demanded physical endurance, mental focus, and complete dedication.

As a volunteer from Punjab, I felt proud to represent our rich culture, energy, and spirit during cultural presentations.

After clearing Pre-RD, I was selected for the Republic Day Camp. Even there, out of around 200 participants, only 148 were finally shortlisted to march on Kartavya Path — and I was honoured to be among those 148.

Each stage tested me physically, mentally, and emotionally. This journey was not just about marching; it was about representing my college, my state, and my culture with pride, discipline, and dedication.”

Did you have the opportunity to interact with the Hon’ble President of India, the Hon’ble Prime Minister, and the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports. How was the experience ?

Yes, I was fortunate to be in the presence of the Hon’ble President of India, the Hon’ble Prime Minister, and the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports during the Republic Day Parade Camp. It was truly a surreal and humbling experience.

The most memorable moment for me was when the Prime Minister walked through the Cariappa Parade Ground and stopped right in front of me. He asked how the camp was going and what I had learned. I shared that the camp had taught us discipline, teamwork, leadership, and a deeper sense of national pride. That brief interaction was overwhelming and inspiring — it made me realize the responsibility we, as young volunteers, carry in serving society and our country.

Being able to witness and interact with such esteemed leaders left a lasting impact on me. It strengthened my motivation to work harder, uphold the values of NSS, and continue serving my college, state, and nation with dedication.

Along with marching at Kartavya Path, you also performed Bhangra during the celebrations. What did it mean to showcase Punjab’s cultural heritage at a national event like Republic Day?

Along with marching on Kartavya Path, I had the incredible opportunity to showcase Punjab’s cultural heritage through Bhangra and by playing the traditional instrument, the dhol, during the Republic Day celebrations. Performing in front of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and other dignitaries was an exhilarating and humbling experience.

For me, it was more than just a performance — it was a chance to represent the vibrant energy, traditions, and spirit of Punjab on a national stage. While marching reflected discipline, precision, and teamwork, performing Bhangra and dhol showcased our culture, joy, and identity. Seeing the appreciation from the dignitaries and audience made me realize the power of culture in connecting people and celebrating India’s diversity.

That experience reinforced my pride in my roots and taught me that as an NSS volunteer, serving the nation also means sharing the rich heritage and spirit of my state with the country.”

How has your journey as an NSS volunteer at Apeejay College of Fine Arts shaped your sense of discipline, leadership, and service towards the nation?

My journey as an NSS volunteer at Apeejay College of Fine Arts has been truly transformative. From participating in community service activities to representing the college at prestigious platforms like the Republic Day Parade, every experience strengthened my sense of discipline, leadership, and commitment to serving the nation.

Honestly, I never imagined that one day I would be standing on such a prestigious stage, representing my college, my state, and my culture in front of the nation. That opportunity was both humbling and exhilarating.

I owe a lot of my growth to the guidance and support of our Principal, and our Dean of NSS.  Their mentorship motivated me to push my limits, lead by example, and maintain the highest standards of discipline in every activity.

Through NSS, I learned that leadership is not just about giving instructions but inspiring peers, working as a team, and taking responsibility. I also realised that serving the nation starts with small, consistent actions, empathy, and dedication. Experiences like community service, cultural performances, and national-level camps have made me more disciplined, confident, and committed to contributing positively to society and my country.”

What message would you like to share with fellow students who aspire to represent their institution and state at national-level events like the Republic Day Parade?

My message to fellow students who aspire to represent their institution and state at national-level events like the Republic Day Parade is: Dream big, stay disciplined, and remain dedicated to every step of your journey.

I want to share that when I was marching at the Republic Day Parade, I wasn’t just marching on Kartavya Path — I was marching on my dream path. Every step filled me with pride, and I constantly had goosebumps seeing the army contingents, the vibrant cultural displays, and the national flag waving high. It was a surreal moment that reminded me of the importance of perseverance and passion.

To achieve such milestones, one must be consistent, disciplined, and willing to give their best in every small opportunity — be it at college, university, or state-level camps. Believe in yourself, stay motivated, and embrace every challenge as a chance to grow. If you put in the effort and maintain dedication, one day, you too can experience the pride of representing your college, state, and nation on a platform like this.