- Draw inspiration from NCC cadets’ role during Op Sindoor, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Youth to be backbone of Viksit Bharat 2047 mission
- Defence Minister’s Medals and Commendation Cards awarded for courage, discipline and service
- NCC hailed as India’s ‘second line of defence’ in times of crisis
- Cadets urged to build Plan-B and Plan-C mindset for life and nation-building
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 24
Calling upon India’s youth to remain resilient in an increasingly uncertain global environment, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged them to draw inspiration from NCC cadets who played a vital role during Operation Sindoor, particularly in raising public awareness during nationwide mock drills.
“As the world is going through a period of uncertainty, our youth must remain physically, mentally & emotionally strong and be prepared to take on every challenge,” Defence Minister said while addressing cadets at the NCC Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt on January 24, 2026.
Referring to India’s firm response to cross-border terrorism, Singh said, “Indian Armed Forces destroyed terrorists based in Pakistan and PoK, which was a befitting reply to the unfortunate and cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Our soldiers acted with courage and restraint. We targeted and destroyed only those who hurt us, not anyone else. This was possible as they are strong physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
He described NCC cadets as the nation’s second line of defence, noting their exceptional role when the country stood united behind its Armed Forces during the operation.
Youth as modern-day Abhimanyu of India’s growth journey
Urging young Indians to shoulder greater responsibility, Defence Minister likened them to Abhimanyu of the Mahabharata, capable of breaking through any modern-day Chakravyuh.
“We have now entered a time where expectations from youth have increased. They’re invaluable assets of the nation bearing the responsibility of taking the country to newer heights,” he said, urging them to contribute towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
NCC breaks comfort zones, builds character and focus
Calling NCC an unmatched platform for nation-building, Singh underlined its role in shaping disciplined, focused and resilient citizens.
“The world is selling comfort today. Video games, food delivery, and other such things are meant to bring comfort to human life. Through parades, drills, and camps, NCC helps to break you out of that comfort zone, making a cadet mentally strong.”
He added that NCC instils discipline and patriotism while addressing the growing problem of lack of focus among youth.
“In the present era when people want to acquire everything instantly, NCC teaches patience, continuity and focus, which are requisites for life’s big battles, the nation’s great responsibilities, and character building.”
Plan-A, Plan-B, Plan-C: a military approach to life
Advising cadets to be mentally prepared for setbacks, the Defence Minister said success demands contingency planning.
“You must always be ready with a Plan-B and remember that if it rains today, the sun will shine tomorrow. To achieve success in life, keep a ‘military way’ in mind, beyond ‘my way or the highway’.”
From battlefields to boardrooms: NCC’s legacy of leadership
Highlighting NCC’s historic contributions, Singh recalled that Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Manoj Pandey and Captain Vikram Batra were NCC cadets.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I, too, were cadets. During the 1965 and 1971 wars, NCC cadets were deployed as the Second Line of Defence. This is the important role the NCC has played in every sector.”
Republic Day reminder of constitutional duty
With the nation set to celebrate its 77th Republic Day, Singh reminded cadets of the deeper meaning of the Constitution.
“The Constitution is not just text, but means to bolster our social, political, cultural, and other rights & duties. We should move towards becoming the kind of people our Constitution wants us to be.”
He said NCC cadets could act as flag bearers in spreading constitutional awareness.
Cadets honoured for excellence and dedication
At an Investiture Ceremony, the Defence Minister presented Defence Minister’s Medals and Commendation Cards to outstanding cadets.
- Defence Minister Padak:
- Cadet Arpun Deep Kaur (Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate)
- Cadet Palden Lepcha (West Bengal & Sikkim Directorate)
- Commendation Cards:
- Petty Officer Lisha Dejappa Suvarna (Karnataka & Goa)
- Junior Under Officer Pavan Bhagel (Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh)
- Corporal Radha Dorjee (North Eastern Region)
- Cadet Prince Singh Rana (Uttarakhand)
DG NCC Lt Gen Virendra Vats and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and NCC were present during the event.
