Lauding the role played by the National Cadet Corps(NCC) in nation building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Friday the Government has prepared over one lakh new NCC cadets in the border areas of the country. He also stressed the need for inducting more girls into the NCC.
Addressing the annual NCC rally on the occasion of the Republic Day, the Prime Minister also gave credit to it for shaping his personality.
"The training I got in the NCC and the things I learned here have provided me immense strength in delivering upon my responsibilities. Recently, I had also received an NCC alumni card as well," he said.
"I am proud that I was also an active member of NCC. Our government is taking several steps to strengthen NCC. A large number of girl cadets participated in the rally, this is the change India is witnessing today," Modi said while addressing the cadets.
Earlier, he inspected the Guard of Honour, reviewed March Past by NCC contingents and also witnessed the NCC cadets displaying their skills in army action, slithering, micro-light flying, para-sailing as well and cultural programmes. The best cadets also received medals and batons from the Prime Minister.
In his address, Modi noted a different level of enthusiasm in the celebrations as the country is marking the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. He paid tributes to Lala Lajpat Rai and Field Marshal K M Cariappa for their contribution in nation building.
The Prime Minister talked about the steps being taken to strengthen the NCC in the country in a period when the country is moving forward with new resolutions. In the last two years, one lakh new cadets have been created in the border areas of the country, he said.
The Prime Minister elaborated on the steps being taken to open the doors of the defence establishments for girls and women. He noted the presence of the large number of the girl cadets and termed it to be a symbol of changing attitude of the nation.
Noting the young profile of the cadets, who are mostly born in this century, Modi underlined their role in taking the country towards 2047. He also underlined the major role that youngsters can play in the ‘vocal for local’ campaign.