Jammu, Feb 2:Jammu, Feb 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday emphasized the pivotal role of youth in nation-building, stating that a truly developed society extends beyond infrastructure and economic growth to strong social values, unity, and character.
Addressing NCC cadets of the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh Directorate who returned from the Republic Day Camp in New Delhi, Sinha said, “At the heart of a developed nation stands youth power. Young people are the most energetic, creative, and transformative force of any country. Youth are the drivers of change.”
The Lieutenant Governor lauded the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for nurturing discipline, leadership, teamwork, and selfless service among generations of youth. He highlighted the organization’s contribution since 1948 in uniting young people from diverse backgrounds under shared objectives, fostering values where national interest is prioritized above personal gain.
Sinha urged cadets to focus on self-development, noting that individual growth directly contributes to national progress. “When NCC cadets and young people advance toward excellence with confidence, they not only secure their own future but also contribute to the nation’s development,” he said.
Highlighting social cohesion, Sinha emphasized the cadets’ responsibility in promoting brotherhood across regions, languages, castes, and religions. “Development is not limited to ‘I’ but is truly connected to ‘we.’ Mutual brotherhood grows through cooperation, sensitivity, and collective responsibility. NCC cadets must foster unity daily and transform diversity into society’s strength,” he added.
Sinha underscored the importance of ethical leadership and accountability in all fields, whether IT, industry, education, armed forces, or culture. He commended the Directorate for integrating drone technology into training, noting it reflects global trends and strengthens India’s present and future capabilities.
The Lieutenant Governor felicitated cadets with Certificates of Excellence for their performance at Kartavya Path and other competitions. A total of 128 cadets from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh participated in this year’s Republic Day celebrations.
Notable achievements included SUO Arpundeep Kour of 3 J&K Battalion NCC, Baramulla, receiving the Raksha Mantri Padak for exceptional leadership during Op SINDOOR, and Lieutenant Ruksana Kousar being honored with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation. The Directorate also earned 11 DG NCC Medallions and Commendation Cards, highlighting excellence across multiple disciplines.
Cadet Tawheed Altaf of 7 J&K Battalion NCC, Baramulla, served as Parade Commander of the All India NCC Boys Contingent at Kartavya Path, while Cadet Samriti Kalhuria of 8 J&K Battalion NCC had the rare honor of piloting the Prime Minister of India during the PM Rally.
In recognition of its sustained performance, rapid transformation, and outstanding achievements, the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh NCC Directorate was awarded the Director General’s Most Improved Directorate Award, achieving 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, instructors, and officials of Lok Bhavan were present at the occasion.
The Lieutenant Governor concluded by urging cadets to uphold values of honesty, service, and social responsibility, stating that such principles, when practiced by youth, shape a developed and progressive nation.