“The true meaning of a developed society and a developed nation, extends far beyond infrastructure, modern technology, or economic progress alone. A developed society and nation also signifies a place where people possess strong character, where social values stand firm, and where the social fabric remains bound together in unity,” the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha said on Monday.  

He said that the nation's true identity emerges from the thinking, conduct, and mutual trust of its citizens and it is the youth who create this wealth of thought and conduct.

“At the heart of a developed nation stands youth power. Young people constitute the most energetic, creative, and transformative force of any country. Youth are the drivers of change,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He was addressing the NCC cadets of NCC Directorate, Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, who returned from New Delhi after attending the Republic Day Camp.

The Lieutenant Governor lauded the contribution of National Cadets Corps (NCC) in nurturing youth, promoting self-less service and building a developed society and the nation.

He stated that the NCC has inspired generations of youth with the understanding that national interest stands above personal gain, and that working together for society's welfare represents the true leadership.

“Since 1948, the NCC has provided the country's youth with a platform where young people from diverse backgrounds unite with a shared purpose. Through camps, training, cultural programs, and social campaigns, the NCC has brought values like discipline, leadership, teamwork, and service into the lives of millions of young people. The NCC has inspired generations of youth with the understanding that national interest stands above personal gain, and that working together for society's welfare represents true leadership,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that only when young people choose duty over convenience and prioritize society's welfare over their own interests can a developed society and nation truly take shape.

“When honesty, hard work, and the spirit of service become integral to young people's lives in society, development ceases to remain confined to statistics- it becomes connected to life values,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor asked the NCC cadets to focus on self-development.

“Your self-development connects directly to the country's progress. When NCC cadets and young people in society advance toward excellence in any field with newfound confidence, they not only secure their own future but also contribute to the nation's progress,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the NCC cadets in Jammu Kashmir bear the significant responsibility of strengthening brotherhood.

“I want cadets of the Jammu Kashmir Ladakh NCC Directorate to eliminate walls of region, language, caste, and religion through their collective work.

The development is not limited to "I" but is truly connected to "we." In giving concrete form to this collective spirit, no other organization in India has contributed more than the NCC.

I want you to create feelings of respect and trust in every district's social fabric through national and international exposure, shared experiences, and common goals. Always remember that mutual brotherhood develops through cooperation, sensitivity, and collective responsibility. All NCC cadets must together create an atmosphere where unity is practiced daily and diversity is transformed into society's strength,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that, for contributing to different sectors of developed India, we need leadership founded on ethics and social responsibility. He said, whether in IT, industry, education, armed forces, or culture, work must be done with accountability in all fields.

The Lieutenant Governor commended the Jammu Kashmir Ladakh NCC Directorate for incorporating the drone technology into training, in line with today's global changes.  “I am fully confident that such initiatives will become not merely the nation's future but its present strength,” he further said.  

The Lieutenant Governor also felicitated the Cadets with the Certificates of Excellence for their significant contributions to the success of the contingent. He complimented the Cadets and NCC officers for their excellent performance on Kartavya Path and at various other competitions.  The Cadets also shared their experience at the Republic Day camp.

A total of 128 cadets of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh NCC Directorate had participated in this year’s Republic Day celebration.

SUO Arpundeep Kour of 3 J&K Battalion NCC, Baramulla, was conferred with the prestigious Raksha Mantri Padak for her outstanding leadership and service during Op SINDOOR, while Lieutenant Ruksana Kousar was honoured with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation for her dedication and devotion to duty.

In addition, the Directorate secured an impressive 11 DG NCC Medallions and Commendation Cards, reflecting excellence across multiple disciplines. Cadet Tawheed Altaf of 7 J&K Battalion NCC, Baramulla, was appointed Parade Commander of the All India NCC Boys Contingent at Kartavya Path. Adding further distinction, Cadet Samriti Kalhuria of 8 J&K Bn NCC had the rare honour of serving as pilot to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India during the PM Rally, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in NCC cadets of the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

In recognition of its consistent performance, rapid transformation and outstanding achievements, NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh was awarded the Director General’s Most Improved Directorate Award and secured an impressive position at the All-India level during Republic Day 2026.

Maj Gen A. Bevli, VSM, Additional Director General of the J&K and Ladakh Directorate, senior Officers and Instructors of J&K and Ladakh NCC Directorate, officials of Lok Bhavan were also present on the occasion.