"As the world is going through a period of uncertainty, our youth must remain physically, mentally & emotionally strong and be prepared to take on every challenge," said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as he exhorted the youngsters to draw inspiration from the brave and dedicated NCC cadets who played a vital role in raising public awareness when mock drills were conducted across the country during Operation Sindoor. Addressing the cadets at the NCC Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt on January 24, 2026, he described them as the nation's second line of defence who played their part exceptionally well when the nation rallied behind its Armed Forces during the operation. "Indian Armed Forces destroyed terrorists based in Pakistan and PoK, which was a befitting reply to the unfortunate and cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Our soldiers acted with courage and restraint. We targeted and destroyed only those who hurt us, not anyone else. This was possible as they are strong physically, mentally, and emotionally, he said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressing during the visit of NCC Republic Day Camp 2026, in New Delhi on January 24, 2026.

Defence Minister called the youth as Abhimanyu of Mahabharata who know how to enter any kind of Chakravyuh and emerge victorious from it, urging them to contribute to realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government's vision of making the nation Viksit Bharat by 2047. "We have now entered a time where expectations from youth have increased. They're invaluable assets of the nation bearing the responsibility of taking the country to newer heights," he said.

Rajnath Singh termed NCC as an excellent medium to upgrade the youth who, in turn, make their invaluable contribution to nation-building. "The world is selling comfort today. Video games, food delivery, and other such things are meant to bring comfort to human life. Through parades, drills, and camps, NCC helps to break you out of that comfort zone, making a cadet mentally strong. In addition, the children learn many life skills which can help them to protect themselves and others during disasters," he said.

Defence Minister added that the NCC instils discipline and patriotism in cadets, while helping them to overcome the problem of 'lack of focus'. He stated that, in the present era when people want to acquire everything instantly, NCC teaches patience, continuity and focus, which are requisites for life's big battles, the nation's great responsibilities, and character building. This, focus, he said, is reflected in every aspect of their lives whether they join the Armed Forces or become doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, administrators, politicians, etc.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits NCC Republic Day Camp 2026, in New Delhi on January 24, 2026.

Elucidating the cadets about the importance of devising not just Plan-A, but also Plan-B, and, if needed, Plan-C in life, Rajnath Singh stated that when there's only Plan-A and it doesn't seem to work, it leads to fear and despair, but with Plan B and Plan C in place, things are brought under control. "You must always be ready with a Plan-B and remember that if it rains today, the sun will shine tomorrow. To achieve success in life, keep a 'military way' in mind, beyond 'my way or the highway'," he told the cadets.

Underlining the role of NCC in nation-building, Defence Minister asserted that many people trained through NCC have made significant contributions to the country's development. "Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Manoj Pandey and Captain Vikram Batra were NCC cadets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I, too, were cadets. Many others have graduated from the NCC and worked in various sectors of the country. During the 1965 and 1971 wars, NCC cadets were deployed as the Second Line of Defence. This is the important role the NCC has played in every sector," he said.

As the nation will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on 26th January, Rajnath Singh stated that the day is a reminder to strengthen the country's resolve towards democracy and constitutional values. "The Constitution is not just text, but means to bolster our social, political, cultural, and other rights & duties. We should move towards becoming the kind of people our Constitution wants us to be. We must understand our Constitution, and fulfill the duties and rights bestowed upon us. Our NCC cadets can play the role of flag bearers in this entire campaign," he said.

As part of the event, an 'Investiture Ceremony' was held, wherein the cadets were awarded with the Defence Minister Padak and Commendation Cards by Rajnath Singh for their outstanding performance & dedication to duty. This year, the Defence Minister Padak was conferred upon Cadet Arpun Deep Kaur of Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate and Cadet Palden Lepcha of West Bengal & Sikkim Directorate. The Commendation Cards were presented to Petty Officer Lisha Dejappa Suvarna of Karnataka & Goa Directorate, Junior Under Officer Pavan Bhagel of Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Directorate, Corporal Radha Dorjee of North Eastern Region Directorate, and Cadet Prince Singh Rana of Uttarakhand Directorate.

Defence Minister reviewed an impressive 'Guard of Honour' by the cadets drawn from all the three wings of NCC.

Also, a part of the event was the exceptional band performance by NCC cadets of Scindia School, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Directorate). Rajnath Singh also visited the 'Flag Area', scrupulously prepared by the cadets from all 17 Directorates on various social awareness themes. He also witnessed the cultural performances presented by the cadets. DG NCC Lt General Virendra Vats and other senior officials of NCC & Ministry of Defence were present on the occasion.