The RM presents the Defense Minister Padak and Commendation Cards to cadets in recognition of their outstanding performance and dedication to duty.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has urged NCC cadets to work diligently towards fulfilling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India by 2047, recognizing them as valuable assets of the nation. While addressing the cadets during his visit to the NCC Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt on January 20, 2025, the Raksha Mantri emphasized that regardless of the fields they pursue, cadets contribute to nation-building by embodying values such as ‘leadership’, ‘discipline’, ‘ambition’, and ‘patriotism’ instilled in them by the NCC.
“Prime Minister Modi is committed to transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. As an NCC cadet himself, his dream has become the shared responsibility of every cadet to bring to life. A developed Bharat doesn’t refer to just the growth of land, but the advancement of 140 crore Indians who live together despite their social and cultural differences. Along with personal growth, we must contribute positively to society, and India will soon emerge as a developed nation,” said Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
Defense Minister praised the cadets for their dedication, discipline, and love for the nation. He highlighted that India’s achievements are the result of collective effort, particularly that of the youth. “Whenever I meet NCC cadets, I don’t see just a cadet. I see a reflection of India — one country with many bodies, one soul; many branches, one root; many rays, one light. These cadets come from diverse regions, speak different languages, and follow various traditions, but what unites them is their ‘unity’. Their energy and enthusiasm confirm that India’s future is bright,” he remarked.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also noted that many countries gained independence around the same time as India. “Only those nations that embraced the values of discipline, integrity, and national unity are progressing today, while others that neglected these values are in turmoil,” he stated, commending the NCC for instilling these crucial qualities in individuals.
To explain the essence of leadership, Defense Minister referenced Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s heroic sacrifice during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which continues to inspire the nation. “Major Unnikrishnan’s words to his team, ‘Don’t come up, I will handle them,’ were not only a testament to his resilient attitude and selflessness but also his ability to lead from the front. Such extraordinary acts transform an ordinary person into a leader. NCC nurtures these qualities,” he said.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh urged the cadets to continuously embrace learning, as circumstances evolve, requiring new approaches and skill sets each time. He emphasized the need to adapt to changing times, noting that old methods or skills cannot solve new problems. He stated that skill development should be a priority with the future in mind. The Raksha Mantri encouraged the cadets to tackle every challenge confidently, without fearing failure, and highlighted that the key to success is maintaining a ‘never give up’ attitude.
In concluding his speech, Defense Minister inspired the cadets to dream big, understand their true character and strengths, and work tirelessly to achieve their goals. He quoted from the famous poem by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, “छोटे मन से कोई बड़ा नहीं होता, टूटे मन से कोई खड़ा नहीं होता,” urging them to remain humble and optimistic.
During the event, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed an impressive ‘Guard of Honour’ by cadets from all three NCC wings. The ‘Investiture Ceremony’ followed, where cadets were awarded the Raksha Mantri Padak and Commendation Cards for exceptional performance and dedication to duty. This year, the Raksha Mantri Padak was awarded to Under Officer Theja VP of Kerala & Lakshadweep Directorate and Senior Under Officer Aryamitra Nath of the North Eastern Region Directorate. The Commendation Cards were presented to Cadet Dontara Greeshma of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Directorate, Junior Under Officer Abida Afreen of Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate, Sergeant Manan Sharma of Maharashtra Directorate, and Sergeant Rahul Baghel of Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Directorate.
The ceremony was followed by an outstanding band display by NCC cadets from Mizo High School, Aizawl. The Raksha Mantri also visited the ‘Flag Area,’ where cadets from all 17 Directorates displayed vibrant exhibitions on various social issues. He then witnessed the ‘Idea & Innovation’ display, where cadets briefed him on the various innovative projects they had undertaken. Following this, Shri Rajnath Singh visited Pratap Hall to watch cultural performances by the NCC cadets. The DG NCC, Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, along with other senior officials from the NCC and the Ministry of Defence, were also present at the event.