Sea Cadets take on the world!

Last November saw two of our First Sea Lord’s Cadets embark on the trip of a lifetime to India. Petty Officer Cadets Maisie (Fishguard Unit) and Joseph (Camberley Unit) were chosen to represent the UK at the G20 ‘THINQ’ quiz event hosted by the Indian Navy in New Delhi. 

Maisie and Joseph were competing against students and cadets from the world’s largest 20 economies and nine guest countries including Bangladesh, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. They excelled on quiz topics including current affairs and maritime explorations and innovation, but narrowly missed out on a place in the final. Both can be very proud of their performance, and their determination to learn about India’s customs and heritage on visits to iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal and Qutb Minar – part of a fortified city built around 1200AD.

POC Joseph even got to meet the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dankhar, recalling: “It was a privilege to speak to him and have a tour of the vast new Indian Parliament building.” POC Maisie’s highlights included “the visits and events organised by the Indian Navy – who were fantastic hosts throughout our stay,” with one memorable occasion seeing our cadets dine at the Indian Naval Officer’s Mess with Admiral Kumar, Chief of the Indian Naval Staff. 

While making new friends from around the globe, Maisie and Joseph particularly enjoyed the chance to spend time with the Indian National Cadet Corps and compare stories about life in two very different cultures – as well as finding plenty of common ground in their shared passion for cadet training! BZ to them both for being such fine ambassadors for the UK and Sea Cadets, and embracing the spirit of ‘vasudaiva kutumbakan’ – a Sanskrit phrase meaning ‘the world is one large, interconnected family’.

Photos: Sea Cadets