NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Annual NCC PM Rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi. The PM said that the efforts of NCC, NSS cadets, tableau artists, companions from the National Rangshala, and young participants from across the country were clearly visible in their coordinated performances. PM Modi noted with grief that the day also brought great sorrow due to the tragic plane crash in Maharashtra this morning, which claimed the lives of Deputy Chief Minister, PM Ajit Pawar ji and some colleagues. He highlighted that Ajit Dada made a significant contribution to the development of Maharashtra and the nation, especially by working to improve village life, and expressed condolences to PM Ajit Pawar ji’s family. He stated that in this moment of pain, the nation stands with the families of those lost in the accident. The PM, amidst these moments of grief and condolence, extended greetings to all cadets present, including those from friendly nations, and acknowledged the large participation of girl cadets this year. 

“NCC is a movement that makes India’s youth confident, disciplined, sensitive, and dedicated citizens of the nation”, highlighted PM Modi, emphasising that every year cadets are strengthening their role further. He highlighted that the number of NCC cadets has increased from 14 lakh to 20 lakh in recent years, with significant growth in border and coastal areas. 

The PM underlined that NCC is a platform where youth live their heritage with pride, citing the celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram with great enthusiasm across the country. He pointed to the Paramveer Sagar Yatra as an excellent example, recalling that a few years ago the government named 21 islands of Andaman and Nicobar after Paramveer Chakra awardees, and the cadets carried forward this spirit of honoring national heroes through their sailing expedition. PM Modi also highlighted that in Lakshadweep, through the island festival, cadets celebrated the ocean, culture, and nature together.

PM Modi remarked that NCC has brought history alive from monuments to the streets, highlighting the valor of Bajirao Peshwa, the skill of the great warrior Lachit Borphukan, and the leadership of Bhagwan Birsa Munda through its cycle rally, which created public awareness. He appreciated the efforts of all cadets and extended greetings to those who received honors today. 

Recalling his words from the Red Fort, stating that this is the right time, the best time, the PM emphasized that today’s era is one of maximum opportunities for the youth of India. He noted that the government is committed to ensuring that young people benefit the most from this period, citing the historic Free Trade Agreement reached between India and the European Union as an example. He added that prior to this, India had signed Free Trade Agreements with Oman, New Zealand, Britain, UAE, Australia, and Mauritius, all of which are creating countless opportunities for millions of youth. 

Underlining that the entire world looks towards the youth of India with great trust, PM Modi said the reason for this trust lies in their skills and values. He stressed that Indian youth carry the values of democracy, respect for diversity, and the belief in the world as one family, which enables them to easily integrate with people wherever they go and contribute to the development of those nations. The PM remarked that these values are India’s culture and nature. 

PM Modi asserted, based on his conversations with global leaders, that Indian youth are not only hardworking but also excellent professionals, which is why they are in high demand worldwide. He pointed out that in Gulf countries, millions of Indians have been working for years, and Indian doctors and engineers are building outstanding healthcare systems and infrastructure in many nations. He also recalled that teachers from India who went abroad in earlier times added new values to societies across the world.

PM remarked that along with the contributions of Indian youth to the world, their achievements within the country are also being widely appreciated globally. He highlighted that it is because of these young people that India has become the backbone of information technology worldwide, and now their strength is driving revolutions in startups, space, digital technology, and every domain. 

PM Modi noted that the recently agreed Free Trade Agreement with the European Union is being praised as the “Mother of All Deals” and described as a global gamechanger. He emphasized that this FTA represents one-fourth of the world’s GDP and one-third of global trade, and is truly a “Freedom to Aspire” for India’s youth. 

The PM underlined that this agreement with 27 countries will benefit Indian startups by easing access to funding and innovation ecosystems, while also boosting India’s creative economy in film, gaming, fashion, digital content, music, and design. He stated that the deal will create new opportunities for Indian youth in research, education, IT, and professional services. 

Pointing out that the agreement is called the “Mother of All Deals” also because of its vast benefits, PM Modi underscored it will accelerate the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign and strengthen the resolve of “Make in India, Make for the World.” He explained that under this agreement, tariffs on more than 99 percent of India’s exports will either be zero or very low, benefiting industries such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, footwear, engineering goods, and MSMEs. He stressed that weavers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs will gain direct access to the vast markets of 27 European countries. 

The PM added that the deal will also bring more investment into India, leading to new engineering, electronics, chemical, pharma, and other manufacturing plants, while creating assured markets for agriculture, food processing, and fisheries, which will be a major opportunity for farmers, fishermen, and rural youth. PM Modi remarked that this FTA directly connects India’s youth to Europe’s job market, creating opportunities especially in engineering, green technology, design, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, meaning new avenues are opening for Indian youth across 27 countries.

PM Modi remarked that the government is expanding global opportunities through comprehensive reforms, and the reform express on which the nation is riding today is removing every obstacle before the youth. He highlighted that the growing opportunities before the country, combined with the discipline and values inculcated in NCC cadets, are like an added advantage for them. 

Lauding the impressive tableau on Operation Sindoor, PM Modi specifically appreciated the efforts of NCC cadets during that critical moment for national security. He noted their contributions in supporting the armed forces, organizing blood donation camps, and providing first-aid services. The PM stated that NCC training is not limited to the parade ground but also instills the spirit of “Nation First,” which inspires cadets to work with full strength for the country in difficult times. He recalled that his own sense of “Nation First” was strengthened during his time in NCC, and he expressed satisfaction at seeing the same values being learned by cadets today. 

Emphasising that Operation Sindoor reaffirmed India’s strength and the valor of its armed forces, PM Modi said it also demonstrated the advancement of indigenous weapons. He stressed that in modern warfare, the role of youth skills has increased significantly, as battles are now fought not only with tanks and guns but also in code and cloud. He warned that nations lagging in technology are weak not only in economy but also in security, and stressed that innovation by youth strengthens patriotism and contributes to national security. He noted that new opportunities are opening for tech-savvy, innovative youth in the armed forces, with defense startups excelling, Made in India drones being developed, and AI and defense innovation modernizing the forces, urging young people to take full advantage of these possibilities. 

The PM mentioned that the nation recently celebrated National Voters’ Day on 25 January, and he wrote a letter to citizens on this occasion. He said that National Voters’ Day is a celebration of the responsibility and rights bestowed by the Constitution, and highlighted that India has the largest number of young voters in the world. He remarked that when young citizens turn 18 and become eligible to vote, they gain the power to shape the nation’s destiny. PM Modi called for a new tradition in the country, proposing that NCC, NSS, and My Young India organization hold a grand event every 25 January to honor first-time voters, expressing confidence that this effort will strengthen the sense of responsibility among youth and reinforce democracy. 

“A developed India is not limited to economic prosperity but also depends on the conduct of its citizens, who must prioritize their duties”, emphasised PM Modi. He cited the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan as an example, noting that while it was initiated by the government, it was carried forward by citizens, youth and children, and emphasized that cleanliness is a habit, a lifestyle, and a value. PM Modi urged that the spirit of civic duty must become part of daily life, and just as people want beauty in their own courtyards, they must also beautify their cities with the same spirit. He appealed to every young person present to dedicate at least one hour each week to a cleanliness-related campaign and plan some activity at a chosen place.

PM Modi remarked that he was pleased to know that under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, NCC has planted nearly 8 lakh trees, and emphasized that it is also our duty to ensure these trees grow well. 

Highlighting that the greatest test of youth power is how much fitter we will be in the coming times, the PM noted that fitness should not be limited to a few minutes of exercise but must become part of our nature, with disciplined lifestyle from diet to daily routine. PM Modi expressed happiness that NCC cadets are advancing the Fit India campaign and performing well in sports. 

The PM raised the issue of obesity among youth, citing studies that suggest one in three people in India may suffer from obesity in the future, which increases risks of diabetes, blood pressure, and other diseases, with youth being the most affected group. He stressed the need for vigilance and urged reducing oil intake, reiterating his earlier appeal to cut oil consumption in food by 10 percent. 

Underlining that NCC not only teaches marching but also instills responsibility as citizens, imparting skills and values that help cadets become better citizens, PM Modi noted that the experiences gained during Republic Day celebrations further refine their personality. The PM concluded by extending his best wishes, expressing confidence that they will succeed in every test of life and continue to contribute to building a developed India.