Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Prime Minister’s Rally on Monday, lauded India’s youth, calling them a “Force For Global Good.” He emphasized the crucial role that young people play in shaping the future of both India and the world, noting their significant contributions across various sectors globally.
The rally, held at the Cariappa Ground in New Delhi, saw PM Modi underscoring the transformative power of Indian youth. He remarked that the world’s future is intricately tied to the contributions of young Indians, whose influence is already being felt across borders.
India’s Youth Driving Global Progress
During his speech, PM Modi highlighted a recent report showcasing the impressive accomplishments of Indian youth in the entrepreneurial space. Over the past decade, Indian youth have been behind the creation of 1.5 lakh startups and the emergence of more than 100 unicorns. The Prime Minister pointed out that Indian-origin leaders are at the helm of over 200 major global companies, contributing trillions to the global economy and improving the lives of millions worldwide.“
Indian scientists, researchers, and teachers are driving global progress, and it is almost impossible to imagine the future of any sector without the talent and strength of India’s youth,” Modi said, acknowledging the growing influence of India’s young minds on the global stage.
Growth of the NCC and Youth Engagement
PM Modi also celebrated the significant growth of the National Cadet Corps, highlighting the rise in cadet strength from 14 lakh in 2014 to 20 lakh today, with over 8 lakh female cadets. The NCC is now the largest uniformed youth organization in the world, a testament to the increasing involvement of young Indians in nation-building efforts.
The Prime Minister also referred to National Voters Day, which had taken place just two days earlier, commending the growing participation of young, first-time voters in the democratic process. He urged the youth to actively engage in discussions about the proposed “One Nation, One Election” system, which aims to streamline the country’s election process. Modi stressed that conducting elections throughout the year imposes significant challenges, such as disruptions to education and developmental projects, and called for a well-informed debate on the matter.
Empowering Youth for a Developed India
In his address, PM Modi outlined several initiatives by the government designed to empower India’s youth. These include the introduction of self-attestation for documents, the flexibility offered by the National Education Policy, the Mudra Yojana for promoting entrepreneurship, and streamlined processes for scholarships through single-window systems.
These initiatives, according to Modi, are part of the government’s broader vision to equip the youth with the tools and opportunities they need to contribute to the nation’s progress.
Guiding Principles for Nation Building
Closing his speech, PM Modi urged the cadets to dedicate themselves to the goal of building a developed India. He reinforced the importance of the Panch Pran—five guiding principles for the country’s future. These are:
1. Building a developed India
2. Freeing the nation from a mindset of slavery
3. Taking pride in India’s rich heritage
4. Fostering unity
5. Fulfilling duties with honesty and integrity“These principles will guide every Indian in our shared mission for a brighter and more prosperous future,” he concluded.
Record Participation and Cultural Celebrations
The NCC Prime Minister’s Rally also marked a significant milestone in youth participation, with a total of 2,361 cadets taking part in this year’s Republic Day Camp. Among them were 917 girl cadets, the highest-ever participation of female cadets in the event. Their involvement underscored the growing empowerment and recognition of women in leadership roles within the organization.
The theme for this year’s rally, “Yuva Shakti, Viksit Bharat” (Youth Power, Developed India), reflected the government’s focus on harnessing the potential of the youth to contribute to the nation’s development. The event featured a vibrant cultural program performed by over 800 cadets, highlighting the diverse talents of the youth and the NCC’s commitment to fostering national unity and progress.
International Participation at the Rally
The rally also had an international dimension, with 144 young cadets from 18 foreign countries joining the celebrations. Their participation added an extra layer of excitement to the event, making it a truly global occasion that demonstrated the unity and shared aspirations of youth across the world.
The event marked the successful conclusion of the month-long NCC Republic Day Camp 2025 in New Delhi, which brought together young cadets from all over India and the world. The rally showcased not only the discipline and dedication of the cadets but also their enthusiasm and commitment to the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.
Through this occasion, PM Modi reiterated that the youth are not just the future but also the present of India, and their contributions will continue to be a driving force in the country’s progress on the global stage.
