Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi visited the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp 2026 at Delhi Cantt on January 14, 2026, delivering a powerful message of confidence, responsibility and national purpose. Emphasising the transformative potential of India’s youth, he stated that a strong, self-reliant and developed India will be built by its young citizens, guided by discipline, character and commitment to service.
Youth Are the “Face of New India”: COAS
Addressing NCC cadets and officers, General Dwivedi quoted Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, describing the youth as the “Face of New India” and India’s most powerful demographic strength. He stressed that young people possess the energy and purpose needed to drive national transformation and play a decisive role in shaping the country’s future.
He encouraged cadets to cultivate:
-
Discipline and integrity
-
Purpose-driven thinking
-
Commitment to national service
-
Confidence in leadership and decision-making
NCC Cadets’ Contribution Highlighted: Operation Sindoor and Civil Services
The COAS praised the growing role of NCC cadets in real-world national service. He cited Operation Sindoor as a key example of youth-driven resilience, during which over 75,000 NCC cadets volunteered across the country in:
-
Civil defence activities
-
Hospital management
-
Distribution of relief materials
-
Community welfare and public support
He noted that such participation demonstrates the NCC’s evolution from a training platform to a force multiplier for national service.
Modernised NCC Training: Drones, Disaster Preparedness and National Campaigns
General Dwivedi commended the modernisation of NCC training and the integration of contemporary skills into the cadet ecosystem.
Key highlights included:
-
Introduction of drone training for cadets
-
Participation in national initiatives such as:
-
Puneet Sagar Abhiyan
-
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
-
Ek Ped Maa ke Naam
-
International Yoga Day
-
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
-
-
Disaster preparedness training of 94,400 cadets across 315 districts in 28 states under the Yuva Aapda Mitra scheme
-
More than 35,000 cadets completing attachment training with Army units and military hospitals
These initiatives, he said, are building a generation of youth that is not only patriotic, but also technologically capable and socially responsible.
NCC as a Pathway to the Armed Forces
The COAS reaffirmed that the NCC remains one of the most credible pathways into the Armed Forces. He highlighted that more than 150 NCC cadets have been inducted into military training academies this year, underscoring the organisation’s role in nurturing future military leaders.
He urged cadets to embrace:
-
Self-reliance in thought and character
-
Technological competence
-
Active participation in innovation and national security
He also encouraged engagement with initiatives such as:
-
Army Cells in IITs
-
Indian Army Internship Programme 2025–26
These platforms, he noted, are designed to connect youth talent with national defence and innovation priorities.
Cultural Pride and Excellence on Display at the Camp
General Dwivedi lauded the cadets for their impeccable turnout and exemplary conduct throughout the visit. He especially appreciated:
-
The crisp Guard of Honour
-
The band performance by The Scindia School, Gwalior
-
The vibrant cultural programmes reflecting India’s unity in diversity
-
The engaging flag area presentation
He also visited the NCC ‘Flag Area’, where cadets showcased the cultural heritage, history and development of their respective states, and toured the NCC Hall of Fame.
Cadets further demonstrated innovation and technical skills through:
-
Static and functional ship models
-
Aeromodelling displays
-
Creative technical exhibits
Conclusion
The COAS’s visit to the NCC Republic Day Camp 2026 reinforced the central role of youth in India’s journey toward national strength and self-reliance. By highlighting discipline, innovation, service and character as the cornerstones of leadership, General Upendra Dwivedi reaffirmed that India’s future lies in the hands of empowered and committed young citizens. The vibrant energy, talent and dedication displayed by NCC cadets at the camp reflected a generation ready to lead the nation toward a Viksit Bharat.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
