PM Modi also lauded the strength of India's young population in fields ranging from start-ups to sports

Prime Minister Modi has expressed happiness over the increased participation of women in the country's defence forces.

While addressing the National Cadet Corps PM Rally at the Cariappa ground in New Delhi on Friday, Prime Minister Modi also took note of the significant participation of women cadets in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) parade and pitched for the induction of more women cadets in the NCC.

He highlighted the steps taken by the government to empower the NCC and added that over one lakh cadets have been added in border areas in the last two years.

Noting the increased participation of women, he added: "The country needs your contribution and there are ample opportunities for that. Now the nation's daughters are taking admission in Sainik Schools. Women are being given more responsibilities in the army. The daughters of the country are flying fighter planes in the Air Force. This is the change India is witnessing today. We should ensure that more and more women are included in the NCC".

As a move towards the empowerment of girls, the Prime Minister elaborated on the steps being taken to open the doors of the defence establishments for girls and women.

The PM also lauded the strength of India's young population in fields ranging from start-ups to sports, and said no one can stop a nation whose youth works with the spirit of "nation first".

He further said that India's youth have taken the country to the world's Top 3 in Startups. Over 50 Unicorns have come into existence during COVID-19 with a value of over 7,500 crore. All the unicorns are solving problems of the country and are working with the mantra of 'Nation First'.

In the Amrit Kaal, i.e. from today to the next 25 years, the Prime Minister urged the cadets to combine their aspirations and actions with the development and expectations of the country. “If today’s youth resolves to use only those goods that have been created with the labour and sweat of an Indian, India’s destiny can be transformed”, he emphasized.

Speaking to the young cadets, PM Modi said he was once an NCC cadet just like them. “I am proud that I have once been an active cadet of NCC like you,” PM Modi said. “The training I got in NCC, what I got to learn, today I get immense strength in discharging my responsibilities towards the country,” he added.

PM Modi said at a time when the country is celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav, or 75 years of its independence, there is a different enthusiasm in its celebration. “This is the enthusiasm I am seeing right now at Cariappa ground,” PM Modi said.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, the rally marked the culmination of NCC Republic Day Camp and is held on 28 January every year.

At the event, the Prime Minister inspected the Guard of Honour, reviewed March Past by NCC contingents and also witnessed the NCC cadets displaying their skills in army action, slithering, microlight flying, parasailing as well as cultural programmes. The best cadets also received medal and baton from the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister paid tributes to India’s brave sons, Lala Lajpat Rai and Field Marshal Cariappa for their contribution in nation building, both of whom have their jayanti today.

At the rally, the Prime Minister also talked about the steps being taken to strengthen the NCC in the country in a period when the country is moving forward with new resolutions. For this, a high-level review committee has been set up in the country.

Noting the young profile of the cadets, who are mostly born in this century, the Prime Minister underlined their role in taking the country towards 2047. “Your efforts and resolve and the fulfillment of those resolutions will be the achievement and success of India”, he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the menace of drug abuse and asked NCC members to work to keep themselves and their campuses free from this and also help those who are not in the NCC in getting rid of this.

Noting that in an era of possibilities relating to digital technology and information sector there are also dangers of misinformation, he said NCC members can run awareness campaign for this.

The Prime Minister also asked the cadets to get associated with Self4Society portal which is working to give new energy to collective efforts of the country. More than 7,000 organizations and 2.25 lakh people are already associated with the portal.