NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 5
With the powerful declaration “You are the face of New India,” Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday inaugurated the National Cadet Corps Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2026 at the DG NCC Camp, Delhi Cantt, setting a tone of pride, responsibility and national purpose for thousands of young cadets gathered from across the country.
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the inauguration of the NCC Republic Day Camp 2026 at New Delhi as Chief Guest today.
He lauded the NCC’s vital role in nation-building, noting that its motto of Unity and Discipline continues to mould confident, responsible and… pic.twitter.com/MhVrxFDuon
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 5, 2026
Some glimpses from the cultural programme pic.twitter.com/PiuPd7jz1U
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 5, 2026
A total of 2,406 NCC cadets, including 898 girl cadets, representing 17 NCC Directorates, are participating in RDC 2026, which will culminate with the Prime Minister’s Rally on January 28, 2026. The camp features a wide spectrum of activities such as the Best Cadet Competition, Small Arms Firing, cultural programmes and the Republic Day Parade marching contingent.
- RDC 2026 Opens at Delhi Cantt with 2,406 Cadets from 17 Directorates Marching into National Spotlight
Vice-President Links Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047 to Disciplined, Value-Driven Youth
From Everest to Disaster Relief, NCC Cadets Praised for Service Beyond the Parade Ground
On his arrival, the Vice-President was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by NCC cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force wings. This was followed by a vibrant band display by girl cadets of St Francis De Sales School, Guwahati, from the North Eastern Region Directorate. Radhakrishnan also visited the NCC Hall of Fame, paying tribute to the organisation’s rich legacy.
Addressing the cadets, the Vice-President expressed deep faith in India’s youth and their commitment to nation-building. He underlined that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, the realisation of Aatmanirbhar Bharat rests on “disciplined, skilled and value-driven youth,” a role in which the NCC plays a decisive part.
Highlighting the organisation’s 78-year legacy, he said the NCC has consistently nurtured responsible, confident and patriotic citizens who will form the backbone of Viksit Bharat@2047. “You are not mere participants in RDC, but the face of New India,” he told the cadets, drawing sustained applause.
Radhakrishnan praised NCC cadets for their achievements in adventure and leadership, including youth exchange programmes, mountaineering expeditions and the successful summit of Mount Everest by 10 NCC cadets in 2025. He also lauded the contribution of 75,000 NCC warriors during Operation Sindoor, where cadets rendered voluntary services in civil defence duties and disaster relief.
Commending their role beyond uniformed drills, the Vice-President appreciated the cadets’ proactive participation in social and environmental initiatives such as relief operations during the Wayanad floods, Puneet Sagar Abhiyaan, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan, blood donation drives and the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a colourful cultural programme presented by the cadets, showcasing India’s unity in diversity. Congratulating the participants of RDC 2026, the Vice-President conveyed his best wishes and expressed confidence that the NCC will continue to shape citizens who lead from the front in service of the nation.
