From India to United Kingdom: My YEP Journey of Adventure, Challenges and Self-Discovery

CSUO Varunee Pawar, 01 MAH AIR SQN, Maharashtra Dte

There are some journeys that take you to a new country, and then there are journeys that take you closer to yourself.

My Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) journey to the United Kingdom was one such experience.

What began with months of preparation, training and sacrifices eventually became one of the most extraordinary chapters of my NCC journey. From flying from India to the UK, meeting cadets from six different countries, exploring historic places, going underground into a slate mine, climbing mountains and rocks, canoeing, paddle boarding and undergoing rigorous military training, to finally standing in London and realizing how far I had come—every moment became a memory I know I will carry for the rest of my life.

The Beginning: From Pre-RDC to the UK

My YEP journey actually began long before I boarded the flight.

Our Pre-RDC camp was held from 16 June to 25 June 2026 , and after completing it, the moment we had all been waiting for finally arrived.

On 25 June, we boarded an Air India flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Heathrow International Airport.

The flight itself was an experience. We watched movies, ate, talked, laughed, slept and simply enjoyed the excitement of knowing that we were finally on our way to the United Kingdom. Somehow, the nearly ten-hour journey passed surprisingly quickly.

With every passing hour, the excitement of seeing the UK for the first time kept growing.

And then, finally, we landed.

The moment I stepped into Heathrow Airport, something immediately caught my attention—the purple colour everywhere. The airport had purple accents and paint all around, and for some reason, it felt so exciting to see something so different from what I was used to.

But the biggest surprise was waiting outside.

UK cadets had come to welcome us, and among them was my friend Lily. Seeing her after all the anticipation made the moment even more special. We were both incredibly happy to see each other.

And then came my very first glimpse of the UK.

It was the sunset.

Honestly, it was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen, and I know it will remain one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life.

That was my first impression of Britain—and what a beginning it was.

Knook Camp: Our First International Meeting

From Heathrow, we travelled to our first camp—Knook Camp, where we stayed for around two days.

This was where we met the other international cadets for the first time.

There were cadets from Australia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Estonia and the UK, along with us from India.

Suddenly, we were surrounded by people from completely different countries, cultures and backgrounds, all brought together by the same cadet spirit.

The staff were extremely welcoming, and the cadets were fun and friendly. One of my earliest memories from the camp is playing UNO with the Latvian girls on our very first night.

It was such a simple moment, but it perfectly captured what YEP was about. We had just met, came from different parts of the world, spoke different languages and had different cultures—but within hours, we were laughing and playing games together.

During our time there, we also visited Stonehenge, experienced a traditional English breakfast for the first time and participated in various fun activities.

We even had a British-themed street party, which was another fun way of experiencing British culture.

But Knook was only the beginning.

Wales: Where Adventure Truly Began

After Knook, we moved to Capel Curig in Wales, where we spent around six to seven days.

If I had to choose my favourite part of the entire UK journey, Wales would probably be at the top of the list.

The Wales leg was our adventure phase, and every day brought a completely different challenge.

Going Underground: The Slate Mine

One of the most unique experiences was exploring a slate mine in Wales.

Going deep underground into the mine was unlike anything I had experienced before. The temperature inside was around 5°C, making the environment even more intense.

Walking through the mine and seeing the history and scale of the place was absolutely amazing.

It was not just sightseeing—it felt like an actual adventure.

Mountaineering at Moel Siabod

The next day, we took on another challenge: mountaineering at Moel Siabod.

Climbing the mountain was physically demanding, but the views made every bit of effort worth it.

Standing there and looking at the landscape around me was one of those moments when you simply stop and take everything in.

The combination of physical challenge and breathtaking scenery made the experience unforgettable.

Canoeing and Paddle Boarding

Our adventure continued with canoeing and paddle boarding at Llyn Padarn.

Being on the water, surrounded by the Welsh landscape, was a completely different experience from the mine and mountain.

We also got to see a miniature steam-engine train, visited a castle, and eventually took on one of my favourite activities—rock climbing.

Rock climbing was an absolutely ineffable experience.

Every activity in Wales pushed me beyond what I thought I could comfortably do, and that was precisely what made the experience so rewarding.

Wales taught me that adventure is not simply about doing something exciting. It is about stepping outside your comfort zone and discovering that you are capable of much more than you thought.

Scotland: The Military Leg

From Wales, we moved to Barry Buddon in Scotland for the military phase of the exchange.

After the adventure-filled days in Wales, Scotland brought an entirely different kind of challenge.

One of the biggest highlights was the 24-hour field exercise, Exercise Striking Lion.

We were divided into six teams, and each team consisted of cadets from different countries.

This was a fantastic opportunity because we were no longer simply meeting international cadets—we were actually working alongside them as a team.

We carried out patrolling, command tasks and various other military activities.

And, for the first time, I used camouflage cream.

Honestly, best makeup ever!

The 24-hour exercise took place in the forest, where we had to set up our own tents, cook our own meals, complete challenging tasks and carry out patrols at different times.

Being out in the forest for so long, managing everything ourselves and working with cadets from different countries was both physically and mentally challenging.

But it was also one of the experiences that brought us closest together.

After another two to three days of rigorous military training, I remember going to a nearby beach with some of my colleagues for an evening run.

Those quieter moments were just as memorable as the major activities.

During the exercise, I was also honoured with a Brigadier's Coin.

Receiving it was a very special moment for me because it represented recognition during a demanding military exercise and made the entire experience even more meaningful.

We also stayed in World War II barracks, which added another layer of history to our Scottish experience.

Edinburgh and One Unforgettable Disco Night

Our final day in Scotland included a visit to the magical city of Edinburgh.

The city felt almost enchanted, and exploring it was another highlight of the trip.

But perhaps one of the funniest memories from Scotland happened during our disco night.

We Indians made the international cadets dance to Punjabi beats.

Watching cadets from different countries dancing together to Punjabi music was hilarious and heartwarming at the same time.

It was one of those moments where cultural exchange happened naturally—not through a formal presentation, but simply through music, laughter and everyone enjoying themselves together.

Scotland became another unforgettable chapter of my YEP journey.

London: The Final Chapter

After the camps, adventures and military training, we finally reached London.

We stayed at Woolwich Barracks, and the difference between this camp and our earlier accommodations was almost unbelievable.

Since the Indian cadets were above 18, we were treated as adults and stayed in the Officers' Mess, while the younger cadets stayed in the regular cadet barracks.

And yes—we literally had a bathtub in our barracks!

After experiencing the relatively inconvenient camp conditions earlier in the journey, arriving at our premium London accommodation with a bathtub made me stop and think about how far I had come.

It was almost symbolic.

From challenging camps and field exercises to the Officers' Mess in London.

From India to the UK.

From preparing for YEP to actually living it.

London felt like the culmination of everything.

We visited some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including London Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace.

We also experienced London from the River Thames through an Uber Boat, which gave us an incredible view of the city from the riverside.

Looking at London from the river felt surreal.

At that moment, I genuinely felt like I was living a dream.

Representing India

One of the biggest highlights of our time in London was the cultural performance.

The Indian contingent performed and represented our culture in front of cadets and officers from all the participating countries.

And something happened that I will never forget.

The Indian cadets received a standing ovation from the officers and cadets of all the participating countries.

That moment filled me with immense pride.

Representing India on an international platform is something I had once only imagined. Standing there and receiving that response made me realize the responsibility and privilege that comes with representing your country.

For those few moments, I wasn't just an NCC cadet.

I was representing India.

The Farewell

And then, almost before we realized it, the journey was coming to an end.

The final farewell was emotional.

After spending weeks together, travelling, training, exploring, laughing, struggling and making memories, saying goodbye to the people we had met from different countries was not easy.

We had arrived as strangers.

We were leaving with lifelong bonds.

There were emotional moments, hugs, memories and the realization that we might never again have exactly this group of people, in exactly this place, at exactly this time.

The journey had given me experiences that words can barely describe.

But more importantly, it had changed me.

What YEP Taught Me About Myself

YEP taught me a lot about international etiquette, manners and different cultures, but the biggest lesson was about myself.

Before YEP, I genuinely believed that there were certain things I could never achieve.

I never thought I could be extraordinary enough to accomplish something like this.

Then I received my selection letter.

That moment changed something inside me.

If I could achieve something that I once believed was impossible, then perhaps the things I considered impossible were not impossible at all.

Maybe the limits were only in my mind.

As an Air Wing cadet who has had the opportunity to fly three times, I have come to believe that the sky really is only the limit.

And if I can do it, I genuinely believe that you can do it too.

But extraordinary results require extraordinary input.

There was a time when I had to prioritize my Best Cadet and YEP preparation over personal commitments and even academic commitments.

There were also times when I faced medical difficulties.

But I didn't stop.

Not even for a minute.

Because this was the life I wanted.

This was the challenge I enjoyed.

These were the moments when I truly felt alive.

Looking back, I wouldn't change the sacrifices I made.

If I had to do it all over again, I would.

From a Dream to Reality

My YEP journey to the UK was not simply a trip abroad.

It was a journey of adventure, discipline, friendship, cultural exchange, courage and self-discovery.

I went to the UK as an NCC cadet hoping to experience something extraordinary.

I returned with something much more valuable—a stronger belief in myself.

I learned that sometimes the biggest obstacle between us and our dreams is not our ability, but our belief that we are capable of achieving them.

So, if there is one thing I want another cadet reading this to take away from my experience, it is this:

Do not give up.

Keep pushing yourself.

Keep believing.

Keep smiling.

And whenever something seems impossible, remember that your limits may exist only in your mind.

As Steve Jobs said:

“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”

And I would add one more thing:

Stay curious. Stay courageous. Keep challenging yourself.

Because you never know where one opportunity, one selection letter and one decision to not give up might take you.

For me, it took me from India to the United Kingdom.

And somewhere between the mountains of Wales, the forests of Scotland and the streets of London, I discovered a version of myself I never knew existed.

A Note of Gratitude

As I look back on this incredible journey, I feel deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible.

I would like to sincerely thank the NCC for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent India on an international platform. I am especially grateful to the Maharashtra Directorate, my Commanding Officer, and 01 MAH AIR SQN, my unit, for their constant support, guidance and belief in me.

And above all, I want to thank my parents. Their unwavering support, encouragement and faith in me gave me the strength to keep going, even when the journey became challenging.

This experience would not have been possible without all of you. I will always carry this opportunity, the lessons it taught me, and the memories I made with immense gratitude.

Jai Hind