New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 22 said the National Cadet Corps (NCC) is making an invaluable contribution towards national integration and nation building through their yeomen service of transforming the youth of the country into a cohesive and disciplined force.
Addressing NCC cadets and senior civil and military officers during his visit to NCC Republic Day Camp 2020 at Delhi Cantonment, he said “NCC plays an unparalleled role in transforming the youth into future leaders. Today, NCC cadets can be found in almost every field, including Armed Forces, politics and sports. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is taking our country to newer heights, was an NCC cadet,” Singh said recalling his days as a cadet of the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world.
The Minister lauded NCC for instilling a sense of national pride among the younger generation which paves the way for a stronger India. He recalled the supreme sacrifice made by Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh and Ashfaqullah Khan, saying that freedom fighters like them had that sense of national pride that fulfilled the dream of an independent India.
Singh took note of the fact that NCC has in its ranks 14 lakh cadets from different parts of the country, expressing hope that every school and college of the country will have NCC presence in the near future. He lauded NCC cadets for assistance during natural calamities as well as contributing in social awareness activities like Swachhta Abhiyan. He also complimented them for making a mark in sports and adventurous activities.
Increasing the total number of awards in various categories in NCC to 243 from 143 was one of his first decisions he said that he took as Defence Minister. The cash awards of these medals and commendations was also increased. He hoped that these awards will enhance the enthusiasm of cadets and inspire them to greater achievements.
Earlier, he gave away Raksha Mantri Padak and Commendation Cards to NCC cadets for their exemplary performance and devotion to duty during the investiture ceremony. This year, the Raksha Mantri Padak was awarded to Lieutenant Raison Sam Raju of Kerala and Lakshadweep Directorate and Under Officer Rahul Sharma of Uttar Pradesh Directorate. Raksha Mantri Commendation Cards were awarded to Senior Under Officer Shavetana Sambyal, Jammu and Kashmir Directorate, Capt (Dr) Rajeev Thomas, Kerala and Lakshadweep Directorate, Senior GCI Seema Rai, Uttar Pradesh Directorate and Cadet Soumya Ghosh, West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate. Raksha Mantri Padak, instituted in 1989, is awarded to the most deserving cadet every year for bravery or exceptional service of the highest order.
Singh was received by Director General NCC Lt Gen Rajeev Chopra. He inspected the Guard of Honour presented by a contingent of NCC cadets drawn from the Army, Navy and the Air Force wings of NCC. He also visited the Flag Area prepared by the cadets from all the 17 NCC Directorates, depicting various social awareness themes. He was briefed by the cadets on their respective models. The Minister also visited the ‘Hall of Fame’, which has an archival collection of alumni photographs, models and other achievements of NCC.
Singh witnessed a colourful cultural programme presented by the cadets. He congratulated the cadets and the entire NCC fraternity for putting up an impressive parade, band display and cultural programme. He also extended his best wishes to the 114 foreign NCC cadets from various friendly countries.
