Expressing happiness that the sphere of NCC is constantly growing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that NCC cadets highlight the idea of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

Addressing the annual NCC rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground in the national capital, Prime Minister Modi said as a former NCC cadet himself, it is natural to recall the memories when he is present among NCC cadets.

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“Being present among the NCC cadets highlights the idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” the Prime Minister said, as he observed the presence of cadets from different parts of the country.

PM Modi expressed happiness that the sphere of NCC is constantly growing and said that today’s occasion marks a new beginning.

The Prime Minister also noted the presence of more than 400 sarpanches of the villages from border areas, which are being developed by the government under the Vibrant Village Program, and more than 100 women from self-help groups across the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister pointed out that the rally is strengthening the spirit of ‘one world, one family, one future’.

He pointed out that in 2014 there were cadets from 10 countries in this rally, today the number has gone up to 24.

Noting that the historic 75th Republic Day was dedicated to Nari Shakti, PM Modi said the country showcased the strides made by the daughters of India in every walk of life. He praised the cadets who were awarded on the occasion.

Modi acknowledged the Cycle groups from Vadodara and Kashi and mentioned him being MP from both places.

Recalling the times when the role of women in society was limited to cultural arrangements and organizations, the Prime Minister said that the world today is witnessing the daughters of India proving their mettle in every field, be it land, sea, air or space.

He highlighted the determination of the women participants in the Republic Day parade and said that it is not a result of overnight success but the dedicated efforts of the last 10 years.

In the last 10 years, the Prime Minister said the government has continuously strengthened this energy of Nari Shakti in the country.

He mentioned removing all obstacles in the entry of women into sectors which were once barred or limited and gave examples of opening up the front line of all three defence forces, permanent commission for women in defence, and command roles and combat positions.

“Be it Agniveer or fighter pilots, the participation of women is only increasing,” the Prime Minister said. He also mentioned opening up admission of girl students in Sainik Schools.

Modi informed that the number of women in Central Armed Forces has more than doubled in the last 10 years, while states are being encouraged to recruit more women in the state police force.

Referring to the impact of these steps on the mentality of society, the Prime Minister mentioned that women participation is increasing in other sectors also. He pointed out the great number of women in ensuring banking and insurance in rural areas.

“The story is the same in sectors like startups or self-help groups,” he added.

He said that increasing the talent pool due to women participation is marking the creation of a Viksit Bharat.

“Entire world is looking towards India as a “Vishwa Mitra”, said PM Modi pointing to the increasing strength of India’s passport. “Many countries are seeing an opportunity in the talent and skill of the youth of India,” he said.

Modi outlined his vision for India’s youth, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future over the next 25 years.

Speaking from the heart, Prime Minister Modi declared, “This transformative era, the upcoming 25 years, will not only witness the creation of a developed India but will primarily benefit the youth, not Modi.”

Highlighting the youth as the primary beneficiaries of India’s development journey, the Prime Minister remarked, “The biggest beneficiaries of this era are young individuals like you.”

He underscored the significance of continuous hard work, stating, “It will be imperative for all of you to consistently strive for excellence.”

Reflecting on the strides made in various sectors over the past decade, Prime Minister Modi noted, “In the past 10 years, significant efforts have been made in every sector towards skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship on a large scale.”

He emphasized harnessing the talent and skills of the youth for maximum impact in driving India’s progress.

Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering the youth through initiatives such as the new National Education Policy and the Smart School Campaign under PM SHRI, aimed at modernizing thousands of schools nationwide.

He also mentioned the unprecedented growth in colleges, universities, and institutions related to professional education over the past decade.

Underlining the advancements in India’s educational landscape, the Prime Minister stated, “In the last 10 years, there has been significant improvement in the global rankings of Indian universities.”

He also celebrated the record increase in the number of medical colleges and seats, along with the establishment of new IITs and AIIMS across several states.

Modi affirmed the government’s dedication to opening up sectors like defence, space, and mapping for young talent while introducing new laws to boost research endeavors.

He reiterated, “All these initiatives have been undertaken for your benefit, for the youth of India.”

Switching gears to economic empowerment, the Prime Minister referenced the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” campaigns, emphasizing their alignment with the aspirations of India’s youth.

He stressed, “These campaigns are also for young individuals like you, offering new employment opportunities.”

In a testament to India’s digital revolution, Modi highlighted the exponential growth of the digital economy and its profound impact on the youth. He remarked, “In the past 10 years, India’s digital economy has become a new source of strength for our youth.”

Acknowledging India’s emergence as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, the Prime Minister praised the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth, stating, “Today, India is home to over 1.25 lakh registered startups and more than a hundred unicorns.”

The Prime Minister also pointed out the growth in mobile manufacturing and affordable data in India and optical fiber connectivity to every village.

Referring to the expansion of e-commerce, e-shopping, home delivery, online education and remote healthcare, Modi urged the youth to leverage the opportunities presented by digital India, citing the proliferation of digital content creation and the establishment of over five lakh Common Service Centers in rural areas, employing numerous young individuals.

Modi witnessed a cultural programme and presented the Best Cadet Awards. He also flagged in Mega Cyclothon by NCC Girls and Nari Shakti Vandan Run (NSRV) from Jhansi to Delhi.