In his radio talk show Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the significance of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in shaping the character of young Indians, calling on youth to get more involved with the organization. Speaking on the occasion of NCC Day, PM Modi shared his personal experience as an NCC cadet and emphasized the life-changing impact it can have on young minds.
“Today is a very special day. It is NCC Day, a day that reminds us of our school and college days,” the Prime Minister began. “I have been an NCC cadet myself, and I can say with full confidence that the experience gained from being part of this organization is invaluable. NCC instills discipline, leadership, and a sense of service among youth. In times of disaster—whether it’s floods, earthquakes, or accidents—you will always find NCC cadets on the frontlines, ready to help.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen the NCC, noting that the number of youth joining the organization has seen a significant increase. “In 2014, around 14 lakh youths joined NCC. Now, in 2024, over two lakh youths have enrolled, with more than 5,000 schools and colleges now participating. Most importantly, the participation of girl cadets has risen from 25% to around 40%,” PM Modi said.
He also spoke about a special campaign aimed at encouraging youth from border areas to join the NCC, encouraging them to experience the benefits of the organization. “I urge the youth to get involved with NCC in large numbers. Regardless of the career path you choose, NCC will help in enhancing your personality and leadership skills,” he added.
Further in his address, PM Modi reiterated his previous call for youth from non-political backgrounds to join politics, stating that such involvement would bring fresh perspectives to the political landscape. “From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I appealed to youth whose families have no political background to join politics. To connect one lakh such new youth with politics, special campaigns will be launched. The ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ is one such initiative,” he announced.
PM Modi also announced that the upcoming Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue would take place at Bharat Mandapam on January 11-12, 2025, to mark the 162nd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
NCC Day, celebrated on the fourth Sunday of November each year, marks the founding of the NCC in 1948. The NCC is the world’s largest uniformed youth organization, with the motto “Unity and Discipline,” and continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s youth.