- At Annual NCC PM Rally, Prime Minister links fitness, discipline and patriotism to Viksit Bharat
- Nation mourns tragic Maharashtra plane crash even as youth take centre stage
- NCC hailed as a movement shaping confident, disciplined and value-driven citizens
- EU trade pact called ‘Mother of All Deals’, opening global doors for India’s youth
- Modern warfare now fought in code and cloud; tech-savvy youth key to national security
- Citizenship duties, cleanliness, fitness and democracy central to India’s future
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Annual NCC PM Rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi, delivering a powerful message of national duty, youth leadership and fitness, even as the nation mourned a tragic plane crash in Maharashtra.
“This morning, a tragic plane crash occurred in Maharashtra, which has taken away the state’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar along with some of his colleagues,” the Prime Minister said.
“Ajit Dada made a significant contribution to the development of Maharashtra and the nation, and especially took the lead in working to improve the lives of people in villages. I express my condolences to the family of Ajit Pawar,” he added.
“The colleagues lost in this tragic accident will always be remembered, and in this moment of grief, the nation stands in solidarity with their families,” the Prime Minister said.
Despite the sombre moment, the Prime Minister extended greetings to NCC cadets from across India and friendly nations, noting the strong participation of girl cadets and applauding the coordinated performances of NCC, NSS cadets, tableau artists and youth participants.
‘NCC Is a Movement That Empowers India’s Yuva Shakti’
“NCC is a movement that empowers India’s Yuva Shakti,” the Prime Minister said, underlining its growing national footprint.
He noted that the number of NCC cadets has increased from 14 lakh to 20 lakh, with significant expansion in border and coastal areas.
“Today, the world looks at India’s youth with great confidence,” he said, attributing this trust to the values of democracy, diversity and the belief that the world is one family.
Heritage, History and National Pride
The Prime Minister said NCC enables youth to live their heritage with pride, citing initiatives such as the celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram, the Paramveer Sagar Yatra, and cultural festivals in Lakshadweep.
He highlighted NCC’s role in taking history from monuments to the streets—through cycle rallies commemorating Bajirao Peshwa, Lachit Borphukan and Birsa Munda—creating widespread public awareness.
‘Mother of All Deals’: EU Agreement Opens New Horizons
Recalling his Red Fort address, the Prime Minister said this era represents maximum opportunity for India’s youth.
“The agreement finalised with the European Union is drawing global attention, with many calling it the mother of all deals and a game-changer for the world,” he said.
He added that the agreement—covering 27 countries and a quarter of global GDP—would unlock opportunities in startups, research, IT, education, creative industries and professional services, while strengthening Make in India, Make for the World.
Modern Warfare: ‘Battles Fought in Code and Cloud’
Highlighting changing security realities, the Prime Minister said:
“Today, battles are fought on multiple fronts, they are fought in code as well as in the cloud; Countries that fall behind in technology are weak not only economically, but also in terms of security.”
He pointed to the growing role of youth in defence startups, AI, drones and indigenous weapons, calling on tech-savvy young Indians to seize emerging opportunities in national defence.
Operation Sindoor and ‘Nation First’ Spirit
Praising the NCC tableau on Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister acknowledged the cadets’ role in blood donation, first aid and support to the armed forces.
“NCC training is not limited to the parade ground but also instills the spirit of ‘Nation First’,” he said, recalling how his own NCC experience shaped his values.
Citizenship, Cleanliness and Democracy
“How we conduct ourselves as citizens is also a vital aspect of a Viksit Bharat. As citizens, we must place the highest priority on our duties,” the Prime Minister said.
He cited Swachh Bharat as a people’s movement and urged youth to dedicate at least one hour a week to cleanliness initiatives. He also praised NCC’s role in planting nearly eight lakh trees under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
Marking National Voters’ Day, he proposed a new tradition of honouring first-time voters every January 25 through NCC, NSS and My Young India.
Fitness, Obesity and Youth Responsibility
“Yuva Fit Toh Desh Hit!” the Prime Minister declared, stressing that fitness must become a way of life.
Warning about rising obesity, he urged youth to reduce oil consumption by 10 percent, adopt disciplined routines and remain vigilant against lifestyle diseases.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that NCC cadets would succeed in every test of life and continue contributing to building a developed India.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth were present among other dignitaries.
