by: Nav Jeevan

In the age of machines and AI, NCC readying cadets with human qualities: Rajnath Singh

  • Creativity, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence & sensitivity must to stay relevant in today’s age of machines & AI: Defence Minister
  • This year, the Defence Minister Medals were awarded to Senior Under Officer Makkatira Kalpana Kuttappa of Karnataka & Goa Directorate, and Junior Under Officer Dechen Chuskit of Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate
  • The Defence Minister Medal’ Commendation Cards were given to Under Officer Amar Morang of North Eastern Region Directorate, and Senior Under Officer Jyotirmaya Singh Chauhan of Uttar Pradesh Directorate

NE NEWS SERVICE

NEW DELHI, JAN 20

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and technology are increasingly shaping our world, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has advocated the enduring importance of human qualities. Speaking to National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets at the Republic Day camp in Delhi Cantonment, Singh highlighted the need for cultivating characteristics like creativity, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and sensitivity.

“Creativity, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and sensitivity are the qualities which will make a person relevant & employable in the present age of machines and artificial intelligence,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing the NCC cadets during his visit to the Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantonment on Saturday.

He appreciated the NCC for equipping the cadets with these qualities and ensuring their all-round development to lead the next generation.

Sharing his insights on the rise of artificial intelligence in today’s technology-driven era, Rajnath Singh asserted that with time and further advancements, people will begin to focus more on creating a career in sectors where machines cannot execute the desired tasks. He, however, stressed on the fact that even if machines could perform physical & intellectual tasks, they cannot be creative, generate consciousness and develop interpersonal skills like humans. This is where, he pointed out, the NCC is playing a crucial role.

The Defence Minister said: “The NCC, through its various initiatives & programmes, is ensuring holistic growth of cadets by making them physically, mentally & emotionally strong, developing their social skills and instilling the feeling of patriotism & national pride. Along with studies, it is extremely important for the cadets to imbibe these qualities. This will help them to give their 100% in the progress of the country”.

On the occasion, Rajnath Singh gave away the ‘Defence Minister Medal’ and ‘Commendation Cards’ to the NCC cadets for their exemplary performance and devotion to duty. This year, the Defence Minister Medal s were awarded to Senior Under Officer Makkatira Kalpana Kuttappa of Karnataka & Goa Directorate, and Junior Under Officer Dechen Chuskit of Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate. The Defence Minister Medal’ Commendation Cards were given to Under Officer Amar Morang of North Eastern Region Directorate, and Senior Under Officer Jyotirmaya Singh Chauhan of Uttar Pradesh Directorate. The Defence Minister described the Investiture ceremony, which witnessed the participation of cadets from different regions of the country, as the perfect example of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

The NCC cadets also presented a colourful cultural programme to the Raksha Mantri and other distinguished guests. Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the energy and enthusiasm of the cadets, terming their performance as excellent.

Earlier, the Rajnath Singh reviewed an impressive ‘Guard of Honour’ presented by the cadets representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NCC. It was followed by a band performance by The Scindia School, Gwalior. He also visited the Flag Area of 17 NCC Directorates, depicting various social awareness themes. In addition, he paid a visit to the ‘Hall of Fame’, which houses a collection of alumni photographs, models and other achievements of NCC over the past 75 years.

DG NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh and other senior officials of NCC & Ministry of Defence were present on the occasion.