Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that as the world is going through a period of uncertainty, the youth must remain physically, mentally and emotionally strong and be prepared to take on every challenge. Addressing the cadets at the NCC Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt today, Mr Singh 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. 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. The Defence Minister said, Indian Armed Forces destroyed terrorists based in Pakistan and PoK, which was a befitting reply to the unfortunate and cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He said, Indian soldiers acted with courage and restraint and targeted and destroyed only those who hurt India. Mr Singh said, this was possible as they are strong physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Mr Singh termed NCC as an excellent medium to upgrade the youth who, in turn, make their invaluable contribution to nation-building. 

          As part of the event, an ‘Investiture Ceremony’ was held, wherein the cadets were awarded with the Raksha Mantri Padak and Commendation Cards by Mr Singh for their outstanding performance & dedication to duty. This year, the Raksha Mantri 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.