My colleagues in the Union Cabinet Shri Rajnath Singh ji, Shri Ajay Bhatt ji, CDS Anil Chauhan ji, Chiefs of the three Services, Defence Secretary, DG NCC and all the guests present in large numbers today and my dear young friends!

The NCC is also celebrating its 75th anniversary coinciding with the country’s 75 years of independence. I appreciate those who have represented NCC over the years and contributed to nation building. Today, the NCC cadets in front of me are even more special. The way the program has been designed today shows that not only the time has changed, but its form has also changed. The number of spectators is also more than before. The program is also full of diversity, but it will always be remembered for spreading the basic mantra of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' to every nook and corner of India. I heartily congratulate the entire team of NCC, all its officers and administrators. You represent an ‘Amrit’ generation, both as NCC cadets and also as the youth of the country. This ‘Amrit’ generation will take the country to a new height in the next 25 years and will make India self-reliant and developed.

Friends,

Just now, we witnessed the role of NCC in the development of the country and the praiseworthy work you are doing. One of your comrades handed over the Unity Flame to me. You have completed this journey from Kanyakumari to Delhi in 60 days, running 50 kilometers every day. Many companions participated in this Unity Flame Run to strengthen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. You have really done a commendable and inspiring job. An attractive cultural program has also been organized here. I congratulate you for this display of India's cultural diversity, your skill and diligence.

Friends,

You also participated in the Republic Day parade. This parade was special because it was held on the Kartavya Path for the first time. And the weather in Delhi is a bit cold these days. Many of you may not even be used to this season. Nevertheless, I would urge you to definitely visit some places in Delhi. Will you spare time? If you have not visited the National War Memorial and Police Memorial, then you must go there. Similarly, you must also visit Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum in Red Fort. A modern PM-Museum has also been built to introduce all the Prime Ministers of independent India. You can get to know about the development journey of the country in the last 75 years. You will also get to see wonderful museums of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Babasaheb Ambedkar. There is so much here. Maybe, you will get some inspiration and encouragement from these places and make continuous progress with determined goals.

My young friends,

The most important energy to run any nation is the youth. There is enthusiasm and passion in your age. You have many dreams. When dreams become resolutions and you are determined to realize those resolutions, you become successful. And this is the time of new opportunities for the youth of India. Everybody is saying that India's time has arrived. Today the entire world is looking towards India. And the biggest reason behind this is the youth of India. Today, I definitely want to give you an example of how aware the youth of India is today. You know that India is presiding over the G-20, a group of the world's 20 most powerful economies, this year. I was surprised when many youths from all over the country wrote letters to me regarding this. It is really a matter of pride to see the interest young people like you are taking in the achievements and priorities of the country.

Friends,

The priority of the government will always be the youth who are bubbling with enthusiasm and passion. Today's India is also trying to provide that platform to all the young friends, which can help in fulfilling your dreams. Today, new sectors are being opened for the youth in India. Be it India's digital revolution, start-up revolution or innovation revolution, the youth are the biggest beneficiaries. The youth of the country are also benefiting from the way India is continuously carrying out reforms in its defence sector. There was a time when we used to import even assault rifles and bullet proof jackets from abroad. Today there are hundreds of such items needed by the army, which we are making in India. Today, we are also working rapidly on our border infrastructure. All these campaigns have brought new possibilities and opportunities for the youth of India.

Friends,

Our space sector is a perfect example of the results that follow when we trust the youth. The country has opened the doors of the space sector for young talent. And the first private satellite was launched in no time. Similarly, the animation and gaming sector has brought in a vast array of opportunities for the talented youth. You must have either used a drone yourself, or seen someone else doing it. Now this scope of drones is also increasing continuously. Be it entertainment, logistics or agriculture, drone technology is ubiquitous. Today the youth of the country are coming forward to prepare all kinds of drones in India.

Friends,

I realize that most of the youth aspire to join our security forces and agencies. This is certainly a great opportunity for you, especially for our daughters as well. The number of daughters in the police and paramilitary forces has almost doubled in the last eight years. The deployment of women on the front lines in all the three wings of the army has been cleared. Today women have joined the Indian Navy for the first time as Agniveers. Women have also begun to take part in combat roles in the armed forces. Training of the first batch of women cadets has started at NDA Pune. Our government has also given permission for admission of girls in military schools. Today I am happy that about 1500 girl students have started studying in Sainik Schools. We are witnessing changes even in NCC. The participation of girls in NCC is also increasing continuously since the last decade. The parade that took place here was also led by a daughter. A large number of youths are also joining the campaign to expand the role of the NCC in border and coastal areas. So far, about one lakh cadets have been enrolled from border and coastal areas. When such a huge youth power will be engaged in nation building and development of the country, then I say with great confidence that no goal will remain impossible. I am sure that all of you will expand your role in the achievement of the country's resolutions as an organization as well as individually.

Many people had chosen the path of sacrifice for the country during the war of freedom for Mother India. But in independent India, living every moment for the country takes the country to new heights in the world. Some people resort to excuses to find faults with the ideals of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' in realizing this resolution to disintegrate the country. Attempts are being made to create a rift between the children of Mother India in the garb of several issues. There can never be a rift among the children of India despite many such sinister efforts. Hence, the mantra of unity is a great medicine, a great power. This mantra of unity for India's future is resolution, potential and the only way to attain grandeur. We have to follow that path and fight the obstacles on that path. We have to see the prosperous India in front of our eyes by living for the country. There cannot be a smaller resolution than this to see grand India. I extend my best wishes to all of you for the fulfillment of this resolution. The period of next 25 years is India's Amrit Kaal, which is also your Amrit Kaal. You will be at the helm when the country will celebrate 100 years of independence in 2047 as a developed country. Imagine friends, the position that you will be in after 25 years. Therefore, we don’t have to lose a single moment and opportunity. We just have to keep in mind the resolve to take Mother India to new heights and keep moving forward for new achievements. My best wishes to all of you. Speak with me with all your might - Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram!

Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram!

Thanks a lot.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

***

DS/LP/VK/AK