Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chairs the first NCC Alumni Association Governing Council meeting, calling NCC an ideal platform for India’s youth. He emphasized former cadets’ role in nation-building and urged wider outreach of NCC values through initiatives like ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and ‘Swachhta Abhiyan’.
In a move to strengthen the role of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in national development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the first Governing Council Meeting of the National Cadet Corps Alumni Association (NCCAA) on Friday at South Block in New Delhi.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of government officials and former cadets, Rajnath Singh described NCC as a “platform that presents an ideal for the youth of the country,” and emphasized the necessity of engaging NCC alumni in various aspects of nation-building.
The Defence Minister lauded former NCC cadets as powerful contributors to India’s progress, stating that “they are not just passively witnessing change, but are actively driving it.” He urged for their guidance and active participation in mentoring current and future cadets, to expedite the national development process.
Singh further noted the critical role of NCCAA in energizing the organisation. “NCCAA will provide new energy and direction to NCC, bringing together experience and youthful enthusiasm under one banner,” he asserted. He suggested that former cadets, enriched with life and leadership experiences, can play a crucial role in shaping India’s future.
To expand the impact of NCC beyond its enrolled cadets, the Minister encouraged an “NCC Plus” approach. He explained, “NCC instills discipline, unity, patriotism, and service in the youth. Our effort should be to ensure these values also reach those who were not part of NCC formally.” He called upon the alumni to help amplify these values across society through outreach and collaborative initiatives.
Singh highlighted the potential of NCCAA in aligning with national missions such as ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, ‘Swachhta Abhiyan’, and community development programs. He said, “By aligning with these initiatives, the alumni can serve as role models and influencers in their respective communities.”
Reiterating the significant contribution of NCC in molding the youth of India, especially those from remote and underprivileged areas, Singh remarked, “In the true spirit of its motto ‘Unity and Discipline’, NCC has helped lakhs of students grow into responsible, motivated, and disciplined citizens. It has become a crucial agent of national unity.”
NCCAA aims to unify the efforts of both past and present NCC cadets by enhancing their involvement in India’s development story. The association serves as a bridge between generations of cadets and opens avenues for continuous engagement in civic and developmental roles.
It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first registered member of NCCAA, followed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the second. Their involvement underscores the government’s strong support for the vision of integrating NCC’s core values into the larger national framework.
The meeting saw participation from several key dignitaries including Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Education Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of Youth Affairs Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence Dipti Mohil Chawla, DGNCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, Joint Secretary (Training) Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma, CEO of LD Remedial World Bala Saraswathy Nair, and NCCAA Secretary Col. Gagan Sharma.
The collective discussions revolved around integrating NCC alumni with educational institutions, social service missions, and skill-building programs, thereby extending NCC’s footprint and national influence.
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As India advances on the path of progress, initiatives such as the NCC Alumni Association are poised to become instrumental in fostering leadership, civic responsibility, and patriotic commitment among the youth. Rajnath Singh’s call to action aims to ensure that the legacy of NCC continues to evolve and influence generations in building a stronger, united, and disciplined nation.
