Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a host of measures taken by his government on Saturday to assert that it has empowered the youth and women, emphasising that a developed India will fulfill their dreams. “You are the architect of a developed India,” he told youngsters at the annual NCC-PM rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground. PM Modi witnessed a cultural programme and presented the Best Cadet Awards. He also flagged off the Mega Cyclothon by NCC Girls and the Nari Shakti Vandan Run (NSRV) from Jhansi to Delhi. The Prime Minister pointed out that the rally is strengthening the spirit of “one world, one family, one future”. He mentioned that in 2014, there were cadets from 10 countries in this rally; today, the number has gone up to 24.
Noting that the historic 75th Republic Day was dedicated to Nari Shakti, Modi said that the country showcased the strides made by the daughters of India in every walk of life. He praised the cadets who were awarded on the occasion and acknowledged the Cycle groups from Vadodara and Kashi, mentioning his being an MP from both places.
Recalling the times when the role of women in society was limited to cultural arrangements and organisations, the Prime Minister said that the world today is witnessing the daughters of India proving their mettle in every field, be it land, sea, air, or space. The number of women in Central security forces has doubled in the last 10 years, Prime Minister Modi said, and added that states are also being encouraged to follow a similar path.
Modi outlined his vision for India’s youth, emphasising their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future over the next 25 years. Speaking from the heart, Modi declared, “This transformative era, the upcoming 25 years, will not only witness the creation of a developed India but will primarily benefit the youth, not Modi.”
Highlighting the youth as the primary beneficiaries of India’s development journey, the Prime Minister remarked, “The biggest beneficiaries of this era are young individuals like you.” He underscored the significance of continuous hard work, saying, “It will be imperative for all of you to consistently strive for excellence.”
“A digital revolution has been taking place, benefiting the creativity of the youth the most,” he said. A decade ago, people were struggling for 2G and 3G infrastructure, while now, 5G and optical fiber networks are reaching every village, Modi added.
In a swipe at previous dispensations, he mentioned that they deliberately neglected the development of border villages, referring to them as the last villages of the country. Modi said that his Government has taken up their development in a significant way, and these villages will emerge as prominent tourist centres. He noted that these villages are now seen as the “first villages” of the country. The Government has launched a “vibrant village” programme for their development, he added.
The Prime Minister said India now has the third-largest start-up ecosystem, with over 1.25 lakh start-ups and more than 100 unicorns. He mentioned that lakhs of youngsters are getting quality jobs in these firms, asserting that the digital economy will become the new strength and identity of India’s young power. “A worthy government makes decisions in the present while keeping future possibilities in mind and has its priorities clear,” he said.
India has now become the second-biggest mobile phone manufacturer and importer, making it more affordable for the country’s youth, he added. Modi said that his government has also ensured mobile data is available at a very affordable rate. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also present at the event.
“The event includes a cultural program on the theme ‘Amrit Kaal Ki NCC,’ showcasing the contribution and empowerment of the Amrit Peedhi,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a release. PMO mentioned that in the true Indian spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, more than 2,200 NCC cadets and young cadets from 24 foreign countries are taking part in this year’s rally. The event included a cultural programme on the theme “Amrit Kaal Ki NCC”, showcasing the contribution and empowerment of the Amrit Peedhi. As special guests, more than 400 Sarpanches of the Vibrant Villages and more than 100 women belonging to various self-help groups from different parts of the country will also attend the NCC PM Rally.