Grief and resolve at NCC rally as PM Modi mourns Ajit Pawar, champions youth power ?
Grief and resolve at NCC rally as PM Modi mourns Ajit Pawar, champions youth power ?
M.U.H
29/01/20269
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday blended national mourning with a message of confidence in India’s future while addressing the Annual NCC Prime Minister’s Rally at the Cariappa Parade Ground here, expressing deep sorrow over a plane crash in Maharashtra and asserting that India’s youth remain central to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.”
Beginning his address on a sombre note, the prime minister said the country was in shock following the tragic aircraft accident earlier in the day that claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and some of his colleagues. “Ajit Dada made a significant contribution to the development of Maharashtra and the nation, especially by working to improve the lives of people in villages,” he said.
“I express my condolences to the family of Ajit Pawar ji. In this moment of grief, the nation stands in solidarity with the families of those we have lost,” he added.
Amid the sombre atmosphere, the prime minister extended greetings to NCC cadets from across the country and from friendly foreign nations, marking NCC Day. He also lauded the growing participation of girl cadets, calling it a reflection of India’s changing and confident youth profile.
Calling the National Cadet Corps a nation-building movement rather than a mere organisation, PM Modi said, “NCC is a movement that empowers India’s Yuva Shakti. It makes our youth confident, disciplined, sensitive and dedicated citizens of the nation.”
He noted that NCC’s strength has expanded from about 14 lakh to nearly 20 lakh cadets in recent years, with increased outreach in border and coastal regions. Highlighting the initiatives that blend patriotism with cultural awareness, he referred to programmes such as the Paramveer Sagar Yatra, the naming of islands in Andaman and Nicobar after Param Vir Chakra awardees, and cultural celebrations held in Lakshadweep.
Through cycle rallies and public outreach, he added, NCC cadets have helped bring history to life by spreading awareness about national icons including Bajirao Peshwa, Lachit Borphukan and Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Reiterating that this is “the right time, the best time” for India’s young generation, PM Modi said global confidence in Indian youth stems from their skills and values. “Indian youth carry the values of democracy, respect for diversity and the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’— the belief that the world is one family,” he averred.
Turning to economic opportunities, the prime minister said the recently finalised Free Trade Agreement with the European Union has attracted worldwide attention. “Many are calling it the ‘Mother of All Deals’ and a game-changer for the world,” he remarked, noting that the agreement spans 27 countries and a substantial share of global trade and GDP.
He said that the deal would open new avenues for startups, MSMEs, creative industries, farmers and professionals, while reinforcing the push for “Make in India, Make for the World” and strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat.
On national security, PM Modi underlined how the nature of conflict has evolved. “Today, battles are fought on multiple fronts—they are fought in code as well as in the cloud,” he said, cautioning that nations lagging in technology risk weakness not just economically, but also in security terms.
He praised the contribution of NCC cadets during Operation Sindoor, recalling their role in blood donation drives, first-aid services and logistical support to the armed forces. “NCC training is not limited to the parade ground; it instils the spirit of ‘Nation First’,” he said, adding that his own commitment to the nation was shaped during his NCC days.
Stressing that development goes beyond economic growth, the prime minister said civic behaviour is equally crucial. “How we conduct ourselves as citizens is a vital aspect of a Viksit Bharat. As citizens, we must place the highest priority on our duties,” he said, urging youth to actively participate in cleanliness, environmental and community initiatives.
He highlighted that NCC cadets have planted nearly eight lakh saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, calling for sustained care of the environment.
On health and lifestyle, PM Modi introduced the slogan “Yuva Fit Toh Desh Hit,” urging young people to adopt fitness as a lifelong habit. Expressing concern over rising obesity among the youth, he reiterated his appeal to reduce oil consumption in food by 10 per cent.
The Annual NCC PM Rally marked the conclusion of the month-long NCC Republic Day Camp 2026, which saw participation from 2,406 cadets, including 898 girl cadets, along with 207 youth and officers from 21 foreign countries. The theme this year, “Rashtra Pratham – Kartavya Nishtha Yuva,” underscores the values of duty, discipline and national commitment.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth were present at the event, which also featured a colourful cultural programme by NCC cadets, Rashtriya Rangshala and the National Service Scheme, highlighting the role of youth in nation-building and social service.
