The Defence Minister of the country, Shri Rajnath Singh ji, my fellow ministers in the cabinet, DG NCC, officers, esteemed guests, teachers, and my young friends from NCC and NSS.

The cultural presentation you have just given here is evoking a sense of pride. You brought to life the historical personality of Rani Lakshmibai and the events of history in just a few moments. We are all familiar with these events, but the way you presented it is truly wonderful. You are about to become a part of the Republic Day parade, and this time it has become even more special for two reasons. It is the 75th Republic Day, and secondly, for the first time, the Republic Day parade is dedicated to the ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) of the country. Today, I am seeing a large number of daughters who have come from different parts of the country. You have not come here alone; you have all brought the fragrance of your states, the experiences of various customs and traditions, and the prosperous thoughts of your societies. Meeting all of you is also a special occasion today. Today is National Girl Child Day. Today is the day to celebrate the courage, enthusiasm, and achievements of daughters. Daughters have the ability to make society and the country better. In different eras of history, Bharat’s daughters have laid the foundation for many great changes with their courageous intentions and dedication. There was a glimpse of this sentiment in the presentation that you gave just a while ago.

My dear friends,

All of you must have noticed that the country made a significant decision yesterday. This decision is to confer the Bharat Ratna on Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur ji. It is essential for the youth of today to know about Karpoori Thakur ji and learn from his life. It is the privilege of our BJP government that it got the opportunity to honour Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna. Despite facing challenges such as extreme poverty and social inequality, he reached great heights in national life. He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar twice. Despite this, he never gave up his humble nature and continued working for all sections of society. Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur always remained known for his simplicity. His entire life was dedicated to social justice and uplift of the oppressed. Even today, he is cited as an example of honesty. Understanding the pain of the poor, making efforts to alleviate their concerns, prioritizing the welfare of the poor, running campaigns like Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra to reach the poorest of the poor beneficiary, consistently creating new schemes for the backward and extremely backward sections of society – you can see inspiration from Karpoori Babu's thoughts in all these initiatives of our government. All of you should read about him and make his ideals a part of your life. This will elevate your personality to new heights.

My dear young friends,

Many of you may be visiting Delhi for the first time. You are enthusiastic about Republic Day, but I know that many of you might be experiencing Delhi's biting cold for the first time. Our country is filled with diversities, even in terms of weather. Amidst such intense cold and thick fog, you have rehearsed day and night and delivered an amazing performance here. I am confident that when you return home, you will have many experiences to share about Republic Day, and that's the uniqueness of our country. In our diverse nation, travelling from one state to another brings a multitude of new experiences into our lives.

My dear friends,

Your generation is often referred to as 'Gen Z,' but I consider you the 'Amrit Generation'. You are the people whose energy will propel the country forward in the ‘Amrit Kaal’. You all are aware that Bharat has resolved to become a developed nation by 2047. The next 25 years are crucial for the country and for your future. Our commitment is that every dream of your Amrit generation comes true. Our commitment is that opportunities abound for the Amrit generation. Our commitment is to remove every obstacle from the path of the Amrit generation. The discipline, focused mindset, and coordination that I observed in your performance are the foundation for fulfilling the aspirations of the ‘Amrit Kaal’.

Friends,

In this journey of the ‘Amrit Kaal’, you should always remember one thing: whatever you do, it should be done for the country. ‘Rashtra Pratham’ – ‘Nation First’ should be your guiding principle. Whatever you undertake, think first about how it will benefit the nation. Secondly, never be disheartened by failure in your life. Now, look at our Chandrayaan; it couldn't land on the moon initially. However, we then set a record by reaching the southern pole of the moon for the first time. So, whether it's victory or defeat, you must maintain perseverance. Our country is vast, but it's the small efforts that make it successful. Every small effort is important; every contribution matters.

My young friends,

You are my top priority. You possess the capability to lead the world. I had said from the Red Fort, "This is the time, the right time." This is your time. This time will determine your future and the future of the country. You need to strengthen your resolve so that the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ can be achieved. You need to expand your knowledge so that Bharat’s intellect can lead the world in new directions. You need to enhance your abilities so that Bharat can play a crucial role in solving the world's challenges. The government is moving forward hand in hand with its young friends. New opportunities are being created for you today. New opportunities are being created for you today in various sectors. New paths are being paved for you to advance in the space sector. A strong emphasis is being placed on the 'Ease of Doing Business' initiative for you. Space is being created for the private sector in the defence sector. The National Research Foundation has been established for you.

We are focussing on the type of modern education that will be needed in the 21st century. We have reformed the education system of the country. Today, you have the opportunity to receive higher education in your mother tongue. Today, there is no obligation for you to be bound by any stream or subject. You can study any subject of your choice at any time. You all need to be more connected with research and innovation. Atal Tinkering Labs will greatly help promote creativity and innovation. The government has also created new opportunities for girl students who want to build a career in the military. Now, girls can also enrol in various military schools. You should move forward with full confidence. Your efforts, your vision, your capabilities will take Bharat to new heights.

Friends,

You are all volunteers, and I am delighted to see that you are channeling your energy in the right direction. You should not underestimate this. It is the most important part of anyone's entire life. Having a sense of discipline, having travelled extensively in the country, having friends of different regions and who know different languages, adds a natural grace to one's personality. Another thing you should always keep in mind is fitness. I can see that all of you are fit. Fitness should be your first priority. Discipline plays a crucial role in maintaining fitness. While motivation may sometimes be lacking, discipline is what keeps you on the right path. If you turn discipline into motivation, then rest assured, victory is guaranteed in every field.

Friends,

I too have been part of NCC. I have emerged from NCC as well. I came to you through the same path. I know that organizations like NCC, NSS, or cultural camps make young people aware of social and civic duties. As part of this, another organization has been established in the country. The name of this organization is 'My Yuva Bharat.' I would request you to register yourself as 'My Bharat' Volunteers and visit the 'My Bharat' website online.

Friends,

You will have the opportunity to participate in various programs during the Republic Day celebrations. Apart from participating in the parade, you will also visit many historical places and meet several experts. It will be an experience that you will remember for a lifetime. Every year when you watch the Republic Day parade, you will remember this day, and my conversation with you. So, do me a favour. Will you? Raise your hand and let me know? The voice of daughters is strong; the sons' voice is low. Will you do it? Now it's fine. Make sure to write your experience somewhere, maybe in a diary. And secondly, send it to me either by writing or by recording a video on the NaMo App that you learnt from Republic Day. Will you send it? The voice has gone down. Today's youth can stay continuously connected with me through the NaMo App. And when you keep your mobile phone in your pocket, you can tell the world that “I carry Narendra Modi in my pocket”.

My young friends,

I have faith in your abilities, and I trust you. Study well, become a responsible citizen, protect the environment, avoid bad habits, and take pride in your heritage and culture. The blessings of the country are with you, and I extend my best wishes to you. May you prevail and win everyone’s hearts during the parade. This is my wish. Thank you all very much. Raise your hands with me and say together:

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!

Vande Mataram!

Well done!

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

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DS/VJ/VK/AK