More girls should join NCC: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Urging youngsters to play a major role in the 'vocal for local' campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that no one can stop a nation whose youth is determined to work with a 'nation first' approach.

Speaking at the National Cadet Corps rally at the Cariappa ground, the PM said that India's destiny can be transformed if the youth adopt a policy to use only locally made goods. "If today's youth resolve to use only those goods that have been created with the labour and sweat of an Indian, India's destiny can be transformed," he said.

The prime minister, who donned a Sikh cadet turban, inspected the Guard of Honour and reviewed the march past by the NCC contingents at the ceremony that included a display of military skills and cultural programmes of the cadets.


Recalling his connection to the NCC as a cadet, the PM said steps were being taken to strengthen the organisation across the country and that in the last two years, one lakh new cadets have been enrolled in the border areas of the country.

Speaking on women empowerment, the PM said that the large number of girl cadets is a symbol of the changed attitude of the nation. New arenas, like roles as fighter pilots in the Air Force, have been opened up. "In such a situation, it should be our endeavour that more and more daughters should be included in the NCC," he said.

Asserting that no power in the world can stop a nation whose youth is determined to move forward, the PM urged the cadets to combine their aspirations and actions with the development of the country.

Warning the cadets not to fall prey to misinformation and rumours, the PM said great possibilities exist now in the fields of digital technology and information. He urged NCC cadets to run an awareness campaign against disinformation. The PM stressed that cadets should remain drug-free and resolve that any campus where the NCC is active should not see the presence of drugs among students.