Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi visited the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2026 at Delhi Cantonment on Monday, where he interacted with cadets and lauded their discipline, commitment and service to the nation.
On his arrival, Admiral Tripathi was accorded a Guard of Honour by NCC cadets drawn from the Army, Navy and Air Force wings. Addressing the gathering, the Naval Chief recalled his own days as an NCC cadet and congratulated the participants on being selected for the prestigious Republic Day Camp. He praised the cadets for their impressive parade turnout, precision drills, band performance and cultural presentations, terming the display a “Bravo Zulu” – a naval expression for a job well done.
Highlighting the role of the NCC in shaping youth with values of patriotism, discipline and social responsibility, Admiral Tripathi referred to the contribution of nearly 72,000 NCC cadets in civil defence efforts during Operation Sindoor. He also appreciated the organisation’s adoption of innovative training initiatives, including programmes related to drone operations and cyber awareness.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark that “India’s youth are a force for global good,” the CNS expressed confidence in young Indians playing a decisive role in building Viksit Bharat by 2047. Drawing from his professional experience, he shared five life lessons with the cadets: staying focused and practising self-discipline; continuous learning and upskilling; demonstrating physical and moral courage inspired by national heroes such as Lt Arun Khetarpal and Capt Mahendra Nath Mulla; being a team player with the spirit of “one for all, all for one”; and never giving up.
Admiral Tripathi reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s commitment to supporting NCC training through initiatives such as the Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, specialised camps including the All India Nausainik Camp, hands-on exposure to seamanship, sailing and yachting, ship attachments, overseas deployments, and educational visits to Indian Navy ships, submarines and shore establishments.
Concluding his address, the CNS urged cadets to uphold the NCC ethos of unity, discipline and integrity, and to lead lives dedicated to national service.
As part of the visit, cadets from Birla Balika Vidyapeeth, Pilani, Rajasthan Directorate, presented a band performance. Admiral Tripathi also visited the Flag Area showcasing the culture, history and development of various states and Union Territories, as well as a technical and academic exhibition where cadets displayed static and functional models of ships and aircraft. The programme concluded with a cultural performance by NCC cadets reflecting the organisation’s motto, “Rashtriya Pratham, Kartavya Nishthh Yuva.”
