Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday exhorted National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets to educate people around them about digital payments and benefits of cashless economy. He also urged them to download BHIM app in an effort to further strengthen the move to reach out to the poor and provide them the benefits of various welfare schemes.
Highlighting the benefits of going cashless, the Prime Minister said money saved on printing of currency notes, transportation and ATMs among others could be used for the betterment of poor and deserving and asked the cadets to spread this message amongst the masses.
Addressing the NCC rally here on the occasion of Republic Day, Modi stressed on unity as the cornerstone of India's strength and said life of a NCC cadet is beyond the uniform, the parade and the camps as it provides a sense of mission.
The NCC experience offers a glimpse of India, its strength and diversity, he said adding the world wonders how Indians are bound by unity despite so many regions, over 100 languages, 1,500 dialects, and different customs and food habits among others, Modi said.
Modi underlined that emperors, rulers, Governments do not make a nation, but a nation is made by its citizens, youth, farmers, scholars, scientists, workforce, and saints. He said NCC cadets inspire confidence about the future of India, and instill pride about the strength of our youth. He appreciated the role of NCC in furthering the cause of cleanliness.
Meanwhile, Madras Engineer Group (MEG) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were adjudged the best marching contingent in the Services and para-military categories respectively at this year's Republic Day parade while Arunachal Pradesh and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship won the first prize in the tableaux category.
In the competitive category of school children items, the dance presented by Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pitampura, Delhi was adjudged the best for their performance to express how our National Flag has been a witness to the glorious tales of our freedom fighters, establishment of Indian democracy, the endless affection of Indians, women's empowerment and such countless achievements.
A Consolation Prize was also awarded to South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, for their performance of the 'Saila Karma' dance which is a popular dance of the Gond Tribe of Dindori district in Madhya Pradesh.
In the tableau category, Arunachal Pradesh was adjudged the best. It depicted the Yak dance, one of the most famous pantomimes of the Mahayana sect of Buddhist tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. In all, 23 tableaux including six from Union Ministries and Departments took part in this year's Republic Day Parade. Tripura's tableau based on 'Hojagiri' dance, depicting the Reang tribal dance was adjudged the second best, while the third position was shared by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
In the category of tableaux representing Union Ministries, the first prize was awarded to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship which depicted the theme 'Transforming India through Skill Development.' The tableau presented by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) depicting the concept of 'Green India-Clean India' was selected for a special prize by a jury appointed by the Defence Ministry like in previous years.