From Ragadas to Singapore: My YEP Singapore Journey

CWO SWASTIK SHARMA 
1MP AIR SQN NCC INDORE, MP&CG 

 

29th May was a day I will never forget.

It was the day when all the sacrifices, all the all-nighters, all the ragadas, all the preparation and everything we had gone through finally felt worth it.

It was also the day when all those medals — VSC, RDC and Best Cadet — finally started making sense.

Representing India through the NCC Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) had always been something I had looked forward to. But the actual journey taught me that reaching the destination is only one part of the experience. The preparation, the people, the challenges and the relationships formed along the way become equally important.

After three quick months, 20th August arrived, and our Pre-YEP journey began.

The Journey Before Singapore

When Pre-YEP initially started, we thought, “Haan, isse badhiya rahega, isse thoda door rahenge.”

We thought the training would simply be another phase of preparation.

We were wrong.

Pre-YEP was tiring — extremely tiring at times. There were all-nighters for presentations, cultural performances, kitting, scripts and countless other preparations. Every day seemed to bring something new that needed to be completed.

There were moments of exhaustion, stress and frustration.

But there is something about going through difficult situations together: adversities make the best bonds.

The long nights, hectic schedules and constant preparation brought us closer. The people who started as fellow cadets gradually became friends, and eventually became people I could rely on.

What initially seemed like a difficult phase became one of the most memorable parts of the entire YEP experience.

Finally, We Left for Singapore

Finally, on the night of 29th, we left for Singapore.

The departure itself was an emotional moment.

At the gate, the Cadet Officers were standing with their full josh, waving their hands and cheering for us as we left. Seeing them there gave us an incredible feeling. After everything we had gone through during preparation, we were finally beginning the journey we had worked so hard for.

And then came our first glimpse of Singapore.

Changi Airport.

We had all heard about the world-famous Changi Airport, but experiencing it in person was completely different. It was the beginning of our international journey, and simply being there felt surreal.

But the excitement of arriving in Singapore was soon followed by a reality check.

The “Bomb of Barracks”

Then the bomb of barracks fell on our heads!

We encountered bunk beds, non-AC rooms and fans.

And trust me, after coming from Delhi, I realised something:

The temperature of Delhi can feel exactly the same as Singapore!

It wasn't necessarily what we had imagined when we thought about Singapore. But those barracks quickly became part of our story.

Looking back, even the things we initially complained about became memories we laugh about today.

Adventures Beyond the Classroom

The YEP experience wasn't limited to formal programmes and cultural exchanges. We also participated in a variety of activities that allowed us to compete, challenge ourselves and have fun together.

One of them was the Dragon Boat competition.

The activity required teamwork and coordination, and it was another opportunity to interact with cadets from different countries while working towards the same goal.

We also experienced Laser Tag, which brought out everyone's competitive side.

But one activity that particularly stands out for me was Flying Fox.

When India Stepped Forward

Flying Fox was a military-style adventure activity where we had to jump from a height using ropes.

Naturally, when the instructors asked for volunteers, there was some hesitation.

Everyone was scared.

Then the Indian cadets put their hands up — high and with excitement.

Despite the fear, we were eager to take the first step.

We ended up being the first ones to volunteer.

For me, this was one of those small but meaningful moments of the delegation. We were representing India, and even in something as simple as an adventure activity, there was a sense of pride in stepping forward and showing enthusiasm.

It reminded me that representing your country isn't always about formal events or ceremonies.

Sometimes, it is simply about having the courage to step forward.

Experiencing Singapore

Of course, one of the highlights of the delegation was getting the opportunity to explore Singapore.

We visited some of the country's most famous landmarks, including Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Chinatown and Little India, among many others.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay was one of the most beautiful places we visited.

The light show there was something I will remember for a long time. Watching the entire place illuminated and seeing the lights move around the Supertrees genuinely felt like watching a movie.

Except this time, I wasn't watching it on a screen.

I was actually there.

Marina Bay

Marina Bay gave us another perspective of Singapore.

We had seen Singapore's development through photographs, videos and screens, but standing there and seeing it in real life was completely different.

The architecture, skyline and overall development of the city made me appreciate how far Singapore has come.

It was one thing to know about Singapore's development.

It was another thing to stand there and witness it yourself.

Chinatown and Little India

We also visited Chinatown and Little India.

These places showed us another side of Singapore — one where different cultures and communities exist together.

For me, seeing Chinatown and Little India was a beautiful example of how unity in diversity can exist even outside India.

It reminded me that cultural diversity isn't simply something we talk about. It is something that can be experienced and lived.

The Real YEP Experience: Meeting People

However, the most valuable part of YEP for me wasn't necessarily the sightseeing.

It was the people.

One of the biggest advantages of the Singapore delegation is that it brings together cadets from three countries.

During our delegation, these were:

• Singapore

• Brunei

• Hong Kong

This creates an incredible opportunity to interact with people from different countries, understand their cultures and learn how they see the world.

I personally made a really good friend from Brunei.

We would sometimes sit together after lights-out and discuss our countries.

We talked about our cultures, our lives and our experiences.

Whenever I spoke to him about India, I could see the excitement in his eyes. He was genuinely interested in hearing about our country, and that made me realise how powerful cultural exchange can be.

I wasn't simply telling a foreign friend about India.

I was sharing a small part of my country with someone who had never experienced it in the same way I had.

And in return, I was learning about his country.

That is what YEP is truly about.

Why ICEP Singapore Is Different

One thing that makes ICEP Singapore different from many other YEP experiences is the interaction between three countries.

Instead of interacting with only one foreign delegation, we had the opportunity to spend time with cadets from Singapore, Brunei and Hong Kong.

This makes the experience much richer from a learning perspective.

I would say that YEP Singapore may not be the best delegation if your only expectation is to have fun throughout the entire trip.

And honestly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting that.

But if you are someone who is eager to learn more, interact with people, understand cultures and gain international exposure, then ICEP Singapore is an excellent choice.

There is also another reason why it feels particularly special.

Many delegations happen twice a year, whereas ICEP happens once every two years.

That makes the opportunity feel even more precious.

Knowing that it doesn't come around as frequently makes you appreciate every moment a little more.

What I Learned

Before going to Singapore, I thought YEP would primarily be about representing India in another country.

After experiencing it, I realised that it was much more than that.

It was about learning from other countries while also introducing them to India.

It was about understanding that people from different countries may have different lifestyles, traditions and perspectives, but can still sit together, laugh together, compete together and become friends.

It was about stepping outside my comfort zone.

It was about having the courage to volunteer for something like Flying Fox even when everyone was scared.

It was about sitting after lights-out and talking to a friend from another country about our homelands.

And it was about realising that some of the strongest memories can come from the most unexpected moments.

One Very Important Piece of Advice

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone going for YEP Singapore, it would be:

Click as many pictures as you possibly can.

Nearly infinite.

Don't think that you will take them later.

Take pictures of everything — the places, the activities, your friends, the barracks, the random moments, the people you meet and even the things that seem insignificant at the time.

Because once you return home, those ordinary photographs become extraordinary memories.

And there is one more thing I cannot stress enough:

BRING YOUR MASALAS.

I repeat:

CARRY SPICES!

No matter how amazing Singapore is, after spending time away from home, you may eventually start missing the flavours you're used to.

So learn from my experience:

Pack the spices.

A Journey I Will Always Remember

Looking back at the entire journey, from the exhausting Pre-YEP preparations to the final days in Singapore, I realise that YEP wasn't just a trip abroad.

It was a journey of preparation, challenges, friendship, competition, cultural exchange and personal growth.

The all-nighters and ragadas during Pre-YEP created bonds that made the journey special.

The cheering Cadet Officers at the gate made the departure memorable.

Changi Airport gave us our first glimpse of a new country.

The barracks gave us stories to laugh about.

Dragon Boat and Laser Tag brought out our competitive spirit.

Flying Fox taught us to step forward despite fear.

Gardens by the Bay left us amazed.

Marina Bay showed us Singapore's incredible development.

Chinatown and Little India reminded us of the beauty of cultural coexistence.

And the friendships with cadets from Singapore, Brunei and Hong Kong showed us what international exchange is really about.

When I think about YEP Singapore now, I don't just remember the places I visited.

I remember the people, the conversations, the challenges, the laughter and the feeling of representing India.

And perhaps that is what makes the experience truly unforgettable.