Calls NCC a movement of discipline and nation-first spirit; mourns Ajit Pawar’s death, outlines vast global opportunities for Indian youth
BuzzBytes
New Delhi, January 28:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Annual NCC Prime Minister’s Rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi, blending tribute, resolve and inspiration as he spoke to thousands of young cadets from across India and friendly foreign nations.
Beginning his address on NCC Day, the Prime Minister praised the coordinated performances of NCC and NSS cadets, tableau artists, members of the National Rangshala and young participants, saying their discipline and dedication were clearly visible. However, he said the day was also marked by deep sorrow.
“This morning, a tragic plane crash occurred in Maharashtra, which has taken away Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji along with some of his colleagues,” the Prime Minister said, expressing profound grief. He said Ajit Pawar made significant contributions to Maharashtra and the nation, particularly in improving village life, and extended heartfelt condolences to his family. “In this moment of pain, the nation stands with the families of those who lost their lives,” he said.
Despite the sombre backdrop, the Prime Minister extended greetings to NCC cadets, including those from friendly countries, and noted with satisfaction the increased participation of girl cadets this year.
Describing NCC as more than an organisation, Modi said, “NCC is a movement that makes India’s youth confident, disciplined, sensitive and dedicated citizens.” He pointed out that the strength of NCC has grown from 14 lakh to nearly 20 lakh cadets in recent years, with significant expansion in border and coastal areas.
The Prime Minister said NCC plays a vital role in connecting youth with India’s heritage and values. He recalled nationwide celebrations of 150 years of Vande Mataram and cited initiatives such as the Paramveer Sagar Yatra, where cadets carried forward the spirit of honouring national heroes after 21 islands in Andaman and Nicobar were named after Param Vir Chakra awardees. He also referred to cultural celebrations in Lakshadweep that combined ocean, nature and tradition.
He said NCC has taken history from textbooks to the streets through cycle rallies and public campaigns highlighting figures like Bajirao Peshwa, Lachit Borphukan and Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Congratulating cadets who received honours, he said their efforts reflected commitment to national consciousness.
Recalling his Red Fort address, Modi said this era belongs to India’s youth. “This is the right time, the best time,” he said, adding that the government is determined to ensure young people gain maximum benefit from emerging opportunities. He cited India’s Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, calling it historic, and said similar agreements with UAE, Australia, Britain, New Zealand, Oman and Mauritius have already opened global avenues for millions of youth.
“The world trusts India’s youth because of their skills and values,” Modi said, adding that Indian youth carry democratic values, respect diversity and believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, enabling them to integrate globally. He said global leaders often acknowledge Indian youth as hardworking and highly professional.
Highlighting India’s global footprint, he said Indian doctors, engineers and professionals are strengthening healthcare systems and infrastructure worldwide, while Indian teachers have historically contributed to value-based education abroad.
At home, he said, it is youth who have made India the backbone of global IT and are now driving revolutions in startups, space, digital technology and innovation. Referring again to the EU-India FTA, he said it is being hailed globally as the “Mother of All Deals”, covering one-fourth of global GDP and one-third of world trade.
He said the agreement will boost startups, creative industries such as film, gaming, fashion, music and digital content, and open new opportunities in research, education, IT and professional services. With tariffs on over 99 percent of Indian exports set to be zero or minimal, sectors like textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, footwear, engineering goods and MSMEs will benefit directly, he said.
The Prime Minister said the deal would also accelerate Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, Make for the World, attract investment into manufacturing, and create assured markets for agriculture, food processing and fisheries, benefiting farmers, fishermen and rural youth. “This agreement directly connects Indian youth to Europe’s job market,” he said.
Lauding the tableau on Operation Sindoor, Modi appreciated the role of NCC cadets during that critical phase, including blood donation and first-aid support. He said NCC training instils the spirit of “Nation First”, recalling that his own sense of national duty was shaped during his NCC days.
He said modern warfare now involves technology, code and cloud as much as guns and tanks, stressing that youth-driven innovation is central to national security. He urged tech-savvy youth to explore opportunities in defence startups, AI, indigenous drones and defence innovation.
Referring to National Voters’ Day, Modi said India has the largest number of young voters in the world. He proposed that NCC, NSS and MY Bharat organise annual events on January 25 to honour first-time voters, saying this would deepen democratic responsibility among youth.
He also emphasised civic duties, citing the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan as a people’s movement, and urged youth to dedicate at least one hour a week to cleanliness drives. Expressing satisfaction that NCC cadets have planted nearly eight lakh trees under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, he stressed the responsibility to nurture them.
Raising concern over rising obesity, Modi warned that one in three Indians could face obesity-related health risks in future and urged youth to adopt fitness as a lifestyle, including reducing oil consumption by 10 percent.
Concluding, the Prime Minister said NCC shapes not just marchers but responsible citizens with strong character. He expressed confidence that the cadets would succeed in life and contribute to building a developed India.
Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth, along with other dignitaries, were present. The rally marked the culmination of the month-long NCC Republic Day Camp 2026, which saw participation of 2,406 cadets, including 898 girls, and 207 youth and officers from 21 foreign countries.
