New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Indian Armed Forces have destroyed terrorist bases located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling it a befitting response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
“Our soldiers acted with courage and restraint. We targeted and destroyed only those who harmed us, not anyone else. This was possible because they are physically, mentally, and emotionally strong,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of youth strength, Singh said that as the world is passing through a period of uncertainty, young people must remain physically, mentally, and emotionally strong and be prepared to face every challenge. He urged the youth to draw inspiration from the brave and dedicated NCC cadets who played a vital role in raising public awareness during mock drills conducted across the country under Operation Sindoor.
Addressing cadets at the NCC Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt, the Defence Minister described them as the nation’s second line of defence, noting that they performed exceptionally when the country stood united behind its Armed Forces during the operation.
Rajnath Singh compared the youth to Abhimanyu from the Mahabharata, saying they know how to enter any kind of Chakravyuh and emerge victorious. He urged them to contribute towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s vision of making India a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
“We have entered a time when expectations from the youth have increased. They are invaluable assets of the nation, bearing the responsibility of taking the country to newer heights,” he said.
The Defence Minister termed the NCC an excellent platform for empowering youth, who in turn contribute significantly to nation-building. “The world today is selling comfort—video games, food delivery, and similar conveniences. Through parades, drills, and camps, NCC helps break that comfort zone and makes cadets mentally strong. It also teaches vital life skills that help during disasters,” he added.
He further said that NCC instils discipline and patriotism while addressing the issue of lack of focus among youth. In an era where people seek instant results, NCC teaches patience, continuity, and concentration—qualities essential for life’s major challenges, national responsibilities, and character-building. This focus, he said, reflects in every field cadets choose, whether the Armed Forces, medicine, engineering, teaching, science, administration, or politics.
Emphasising the importance of contingency planning, Rajnath Singh advised cadets to always have a Plan B and Plan C in life. “When there is only Plan A and it fails, it leads to fear and despair. But with Plan B and Plan C, situations come under control,” he said.
“You must always be ready with a Plan B and remember that if it rains today, the sun will shine tomorrow. To succeed in life, adopt a ‘military way’ of thinking, beyond ‘my way or the highway’,” he told the cadets.
Highlighting NCC’s contribution to nation-building, the Raksha Mantri said several NCC-trained individuals have played key roles in India’s development. “Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Manoj Pandey and Captain Vikram Batra were NCC cadets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I were also cadets. Many others have served the nation across sectors. During the 1965 and 1971 wars, NCC cadets served as the second line of defence,” he noted.
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, Singh said the occasion reminds citizens to strengthen their commitment to democracy and constitutional values.
“The Constitution is not just a text; it strengthens our social, political, and cultural rights and duties. We must understand it and fulfil the responsibilities it bestows upon us. NCC cadets can act as flag bearers of this awareness,” he said.
An Investiture Ceremony was also held during the event, where Rajnath Singh awarded the Defence Ministry Padak and Commendation Cards to cadets for outstanding performance and dedication.
The Defence Minister Padak was conferred on Cadet Arpun Deep Kaur of the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate and Cadet Palden Lepcha of the West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate.
Commendation Cards were presented to Petty Officer Lisha Dejappa Suvarna (Karnataka and Goa Directorate), Junior Under Officer Pavan Bhagel (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Directorate), Corporal Radha Dorjee (North Eastern Region Directorate), and Cadet Prince Singh Rana (Uttarakhand Directorate).
The Defence Minister also reviewed an impressive Guard of Honour by cadets from all three wings of the NCC. The event featured an exceptional band performance by NCC cadets from Scindia School, Gwalior, and cultural performances by cadets from various directorates.
Rajnath Singh visited the Flag Area, meticulously prepared by cadets from all 17 NCC Directorates on different social awareness themes.
DG NCC Lt Gen Virendra Vats and other senior officials from the NCC and the Ministry of Defence were present on the occasion.DD
