The Hindu : National : Imbibe spirit of NCC, says Manmohan

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Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008
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Imbibe spirit of NCC, says Manmohan

Staff Reporter

— Photos: Sandeep Saxena

Engrossing fare: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Minister of State M.M. Pallam Raju, Deputy National Security Adviser Shekhar Dutt, Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor, Naval Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major and Lieutenant General Prakesh S. Chaudhary, DG NCC, at the NCC PM’s Rally in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said involvement of the youth in nation-building activities would be the key determinant of the country’s success and excellence.

Speaking at the Republic Day rally of the National Cadet Corps at the Garrison Parade Ground here, Dr. Singh said India was a young nation with more than a third of its population below the age of 20. “Very few countries in the world are bestowed with such youthful human resource.”

The spirit of the NCC needed to be replicated in many spheres of society to bring about constructive social changes.

“I am confident that your legacy of dedicated service will inspire more and more students to join the NCC for serving the nation and enriching their lives, character and career. I take heart from the fact that the number of cadets in schools and colleges has been steadily growing.”

Dr. Singh said pursuit of academic work in educational institutions must be accompanied by efforts for full flowering of one’s personality. Discipline and determination were the defining attributes of any society that made a mark in history.

“As we register unprecedented progress in the economic field, we need to imbibe discipline and develop character more vigorously. I want our young people to seek adventure and test their limits, not just academically but in all aspects of one’s personality and development.”

Dr. Singh said:

Cadets display their skills.

“The NCC inculcated among the youth the enduring values of our republic, civilisation and composite culture. You combine the dynamism and energy of youth with the discipline and camaraderie.

“This provides an inspiring example of smartness, cheerfulness and team effort. You are bound together by the commonalities of our diverse faiths and the human values which the Indian identity so majestically expresses.”

Combat exercises

Earlier, the cadets showcased grit, determination and cohesiveness by staging combat exercises despite the chill weather. A live demonstration of a mock attack on an enemy position was performed by a quick reaction team. Using ropes, cadets slithered down the MI-17 helicopter. They also displayed their parasailing skills and flying abilities by whizzing past the sky in a micro-light aircraft. This was followed by colourful tableaux from various States.

Later the Prime Minister complimented the meritorious cadets for winning various medals and trophies. The Champion Directorate Trophy was won by Andhra Pradesh.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju, and the three Service chiefs were present.

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