New Delhi January 14 , 2026 :- Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, visited the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt, where he hailed the youth as the “Face of New India” and the primary engine for national transformation. Echoing the sentiments of Vice President Shri C P Radhakrishnan, General Dwivedi emphasized that a strong, self-reliant, and developed India rests upon the discipline and commitment of its younger generation. He lauded the NCC’s massive humanitarian impact, specifically citing Operation Sindoor, where over 75,000 cadets volunteered for civil defense and relief efforts, proving the organization’s vital role in national resilience.
The COAS underscored the modernization of the NCC, highlighting the integration of drone training and the success of the Yuva Aapda Mitra scheme, which has trained over 94,400 cadets in disaster preparedness across 28 states. He praised the cadets’ active involvement in landmark initiatives such as the Puneet Sagar Abhiyan and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, noting that more than 35,000 cadets have already gained hands-on experience through attachment training with military units and hospitals. General Dwivedi also pointed to the NCC’s role as a premier feeder for the armed forces, celebrating the enrollment of over 150 cadets into military academies this year.
During his visit, General Dwivedi was impressed by the impeccable Guard of Honour, a stirring band performance by The Scindia School, and the diverse cultural displays that reflected India’s “Unity in Diversity.” After touring the ‘Flag Area’ and the NCC ‘Hall of Fame’—where cadets showcased state heritage and technical models in aeromodelling—the Army Chief urged the youth to embrace Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in technology and character. He encouraged them to leverage opportunities like the Indian Army Internship Programme 2025–26 and Army Cells in IITs to contribute directly to national security and innovation.
