Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the annual National Cadet Corps (NCC) PM Rally on Wednesday at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi, where he will share his thoughts on the theme of “nation first” and character development.
The NCC PM Rally will mark the grand culmination of the month-long NCC Republic Day Camp 2026, which saw the participation of 2,406 cadets from across the country, including 898 girl cadets.
The rally will also witness the participation of 207 youth and officers from 21 foreign countries, an official said.
The theme of this year’s rally is ‘Rashtra Pratham – Kartavya Nishtha Yuva’, reflecting the spirit of duty, discipline, and national commitment among India’s youth, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.
On the occasion, a vibrant cultural programme will be presented by NCC cadets, members of Rashtriya Rangshala, and the National Service Scheme, showcasing their role in nation-building, social service, and character development.
Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the camp and described NCC cadets as the nation’s second line of defence.
He called upon the youth to draw inspiration from their vital role in raising public awareness during mock drills conducted across the country as part of Operation Sindoor.
Addressing the cadets at the NCC Republic Day Camp in Delhi Cantonment, the Defence Minister said, “As the world is going through a period of uncertainty, our youth must remain physically, mentally, and emotionally strong and be prepared to take on every challenge.”
Recalling Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh said, “Indian Armed Forces destroyed terrorists based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which was a befitting reply to the unfortunate and cowardly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Our soldiers acted with courage and restraint. We targeted and destroyed only those who hurt us, not anyone else. This was possible because they are strong physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
The Defence Minister described the NCC as an excellent platform for developing the youth, who in turn make invaluable contributions to nation-building.
He added that the NCC instils discipline and patriotism in cadets while helping them overcome the problem of a ‘lack of focus’.
He said the NCC teaches patience, consistency, and focus, which are essential for life’s major challenges, national responsibilities, and character building.
Rajnath Singh noted that this focus is reflected in every aspect of their lives, whether they join the Armed Forces or become doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, administrators, or politicians.
–IANS
