Youth must be ready for every challenge in uncertain times: Rajnath Singh at NCC Republic Day Camp

New Delhi, January 24. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged India’s youth to remain physically, mentally and emotionally resilient amid global uncertainty, calling on them to draw inspiration from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for their discipline, courage and sense of national duty.

Addressing cadets at the NCC Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantonment on January 24, Singh described NCC cadets as the country’s “second line of defence”, highlighting their role in spreading public awareness during nationwide mock drills conducted as part of Operation Sindoor. He said the cadets rose to the occasion when the nation stood firmly behind its armed forces.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said Indian armed forces had delivered a “befitting response” by targeting terrorists operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack. He underlined that the response was marked by courage and restraint, with strikes limited only to those responsible for harming India. This, he said, was made possible by the physical, mental and emotional strength of the soldiers.

Singh likened the country’s youth to Abhimanyu from the Mahabharata – capable of entering any “Chakravyuh” and emerging victorious – and urged them to contribute to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s vision of making India a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. He said expectations from the youth had grown and described them as invaluable national assets entrusted with taking the country to greater heights.

Emphasising the role of the NCC in nation-building, Singh said the organisation helps young people break out of their comfort zones at a time when modern life increasingly prioritises convenience. Through parades, drills and camps, NCC cadets develop mental toughness, discipline and life skills, including the ability to respond effectively during disasters, he said.

The Defence Minister added that NCC training instils focus, patience and continuity – qualities he described as essential for life’s major challenges and for shouldering national responsibilities. He noted that these traits benefit cadets regardless of whether they join the armed forces or pursue careers as doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, administrators or politicians.

Advising cadets to plan for uncertainties, Singh stressed the importance of having not just a Plan A, but also Plan B and Plan C in life. He said alternative plans help prevent fear and despair when things do not go as expected, and encouraged cadets to adopt a “military way” of thinking – disciplined yet flexible – instead of a rigid approach.

Highlighting the NCC’s legacy, Singh recalled that several prominent personalities, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Manoj Pandey and Captain Vikram Batra, were NCC cadets. He also noted that both Prime Minister Modi and he himself had been part of the NCC, adding that cadets were deployed as the second line of defence during the 1965 and 1971 wars.

With the country set to celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, Singh said the occasion was a reminder to strengthen India’s commitment to democracy and constitutional values. He urged cadets to act as flag-bearers in promoting awareness about constitutional rights and duties.

During the event, an investiture ceremony was held in which Singh presented the Raksha Mantri Padak and Commendation Cards to cadets for outstanding performance and dedication. The Raksha Mantri Padak was awarded to Cadet Arpun Deep Kaur of the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate and Cadet Palden Lepcha of the West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate. Commendation Cards were conferred on Petty Officer Lisha Dejappa Suvarna (Karnataka and Goa), Junior Under Officer Pavan Bhagel (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh), Corporal Radha Dorjee (Northeastern Region) and Cadet Prince Singh Rana (Uttarakhand).

The Defence Minister also reviewed a guard of honour by cadets from all three NCC wings, witnessed a band performance by cadets from Scindia School, Gwalior, and visited the ‘Flag Area’ showcasing social awareness themes prepared by cadets from all 17 NCC Directorates. Cultural performances by the cadets were also held.

Director General NCC Lt Gen Virendra Vats and senior officials from the NCC and the Ministry of Defence were present on the occasion.