Calling on young people to stay strong and resilient amid growing global uncertainty, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday urged them to draw inspiration from National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets who played an important role during Operation Sindoor.

Addressing cadets at the NCC Republic Day Camp in New Delhi, Singh said today’s youth must remain physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to face any challenge. He praised NCC cadets for their contribution in raising public awareness during nationwide mock drills conducted as part of Operation Sindoor, describing them as the nation’s “second line of defence”.

Referring to India’s response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Defence Minister said the Indian Armed Forces delivered a firm and measured response by targeting terrorists based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He said the operation demonstrated the courage, restraint and strength of Indian soldiers, who acted decisively without harming innocent civilians.

Singh compared the youth of the country to Abhimanyu from the Mahabharata, saying they possess the ability to break any “Chakravyuh”, and urged them to contribute towards achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He said expectations from young Indians have increased, as they are the nation’s most valuable asset and carry the responsibility of taking the country forward.

Highlighting the role of NCC in nation-building, Singh said the organisation plays a vital role in shaping disciplined and capable citizens. He noted that while modern life promotes comfort through conveniences like video games and food delivery, NCC training pushes cadets out of their comfort zones through drills, parades and camps, helping them develop mental strength and life skills useful during emergencies and disasters.

The Defence Minister said NCC instils discipline, patriotism and focus—qualities that are increasingly important in an era of instant gratification. He added that the values learnt in NCC remain with cadets throughout their lives, whether they join the Armed Forces or pursue careers as doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, administrators or public representatives.

Singh also advised cadets to always be prepared with alternative plans in life. He said relying only on a single plan can lead to fear and disappointment if things go wrong, while having Plan B and Plan C helps maintain control and confidence. “If it rains today, the sun will shine tomorrow,” he told the cadets, urging them to adopt a “military way” of thinking rather than an “all-or-nothing” mindset.

Recalling the legacy of NCC, Singh said Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Manoj Pandey and Captain Vikram Batra were NCC cadets, adding that both he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also been part of the organisation. He noted that NCC cadets served as the second line of defence during the 1965 and 1971 wars, underlining the organisation’s long-standing contribution to the nation.

Later, at an investiture ceremony, the Defence Minister presented the Raksha Mantri Padak to Cadet Arpun Deep Kaur of the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate and Cadet Palden Lepcha of the West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate. Commendation Cards were awarded to Petty Officer Lisha Dejappa Suvarna, Junior Under Officer Pavan Bhagel, Corporal Radha Dorjee and Cadet Prince Singh Rana.