National Cadet Corps (NCC) is an organisation that is perhaps the only one of its kind in the world and reflects deep commitment to unity and discipline. The month-long camp, with convergence of 2,000 cadets and more, is bound to be remarkably rewarding. There is representation from all parts of the country and affords a unique opportunity for meaningful exchange for all cadets.
I want all participants to know that it is time to build friendships and learn from each other. The discipline and commitment of NCC cadets not only fill me but the entire nation with pride. I am delighted to note that this organisation is exemplifying gender equality and this is being achieved at a very rapid pace.
The young cadets represent our youth demographic dividend which is the envy of the world. Our developed nation vision at 2047 is no longer a dream. It is our certain destination. The youth is crucial to achieve this vision.
Today’s youth is fortunate to be living at a time when Bharat is no longer a nation with a potential. It is a nation rising with unmatched infrastructure growth, just to illustrate, four airports and one metro system are constructed every year for the last few years. To reflect on our digital penetration, our technological advancement has been accoladed by the world and we have 6.5 billion monthly digital transactions. We are living at a time when national optimism prevails as we approach to becoming the world’s third largest global economy.
Opportunities for youth are expanding as global institutions hail Bharat as favourite prime investment destination. This has been achieved through overall growth mechanism. In infrastructure and technology, we have made available an ecosystem where every young mind has an opportunity to make use of his/her potential and talent. The Government has taken much-needed initiatives and policy decisions resulting in transformation from discriminatory to merit-based mechanisms all over.
The NCC is an extremely disciplined force where one imbibes virtues that matter to human growth. NCC certificate gives its cadets great career advantages by virtue of being part of this prestigious body. These cadets represent elite youth of the country. The organisation instils patriotism and nation-first approach. Nation can only grow when its citizens are deeply devoted to it. Pariotism has to override all other interests, personal or organisational.
Our only approach must always be ‘Nation-first.’ The younger generation must maintain these qualities as a tribute to our motherland. NCC is a leader in youth development and national progress. So total attention of the youth is required to fulfil our commitment to the nation. The foundation of our national transformation rests on five basic pillars.
- Social harmony that transcends diversity into national unity
- Family enlightenment by nurturing patriotic values at grassroots
- Environmental protection as there is no other earth to cohabit, we must nurture the environment, repair the damage caused
- Swadeshi as self-reliance is key to growth, economy, and foundation of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. A disciplined citizen can lead by exemplifying conduct that is emulated by others
- Civic duties as along with our Fundamental Rights, we have Fundamental Duties too. Harmony is stabilised when we believe and subscribe to fundamental civic duties
Our national resurgence rests on these five powerful foundational pillars of transformation. These Panch Pranas – the five tenets flowing through our society’s veins create an invincible patriotic spirit that weaves individual responsibility, traditional values and environmental awareness into Bharat’s journey towards cultural pride, unity and self-reliance.
I urge all the citizens, particularly the youth, to practice these aspects every day in all earnestness, in letter and spirit because they will change the course of Bharat that is home to one-sixth of humanity. We owe it to our nation due to the unique civilisation and unparalleled history and that practising the tenets will forge patriotic spirit through responsibility, values and consciousness.
The students must stay vigilant against anti-national forces because that alone will secure our democratic values. Dedication to our motherland is foremost. It has to be steadfast, unflinching, and unshakeable as it is the foundation of our existence. The emanating challenges as a result of the globally acclaimed rise of the nation is a cause for this vigilance. A rise that is incremental for last decade that is increasingly becoming the envy of the world, a rise that is positively impacting every person in this country.
I am sure and confident that the cadets are going to be the architects of Bharat’s glory towards 2047. I wish the very best to all the young cadets for their bright future as citizens of this great nation.
(Excerpts from Vice President’s address at the NCC Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt., New Delhi on January 5, 2025 )
