Defence Minister visits NCC Republic Day Camp 2024

New Delhi. “Creativity, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and sensitivity are the qualities which will make a person relevant & employable in the present age of machines and artificial intelligence,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing the NCC cadets during his visit to the Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt. on January 20, 2024. He appreciated the NCC for equipping the cadets with these qualities and ensuring their all-round development to lead the next generation.

Sharing his insights on the rise of artificial intelligence in today’s technology-driven era, Mr. Rajnath Singh asserted that with time and further advancements, people will begin to focus more on creating a career in sectors where machines cannot execute the desired tasks. He, however, stressed on the fact that even if machines could perform physical & intellectual tasks, they cannot be creative, generate consciousness and develop interpersonal skills like humans. This is where, he pointed out,the NCC is playing a crucial role.

Defence Minister said: “The NCC, through its various initiatives & programmes, is ensuring holistic growth of cadets by making them physically, mentally & emotionally strong, developing their social skills and instilling the feeling of patriotism & national pride. Along with studies, it is extremely important for the cadets to imbibe these qualities. This will help them to give their 100% in the progress of the country”.

On the occasion, Mr. Rajnath Singh gave away Defence Minister Padak and Commendation Cards to the NCC cadets for their exemplary performance and devotion to duty. This year, Defence Minister Padaks were awarded to Senior Under Officer Makkatira Kalpana Kuttappa of Karnataka & Goa Directorate, and Junior Under Officer Dechen Chuskit of Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Directorate. Defence Minister Commendation Cards were given to Under Officer Amar Morang of North Eastern Region Directorate, and Senior Under Officer Jyotirmaya Singh Chauhan of Uttar Pradesh Directorate. Defence Minister described the Investiture ceremony, which witnessed the participation of cadets from different regions of the country, as the perfect example of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

The NCC cadets also presented a colourful cultural programme to Defence Minister and other distinguished guests. Mr. Rajnath Singh lauded the energy and enthusiasm of the cadets, terming their performance as excellent.

Earlier, Defence Minister reviewed an impressive ‘Guard of Honour’ presented by the cadets representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NCC. It was followed by a band performance by The Scindia School, Gwalior. He also visited the Flag Area of 17 NCC Directorates, depicting various social awareness themes. In addition, he paid a visit to the ‘Hall of Fame’, which houses a collection of alumni photographs, models and other achievements of NCC over the past 75 years. DG NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh and other senior officials of NCC & Ministry of Defence were present on the occasion.