Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Sunday visited the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2026 at Delhi Cantonment, where he interacted with cadets and officers and lauded the role of youth in shaping India’s future.
On his arrival, the Minister was accorded a Guard of Honour by NCC cadets, followed by a band performance by cadets of The Scindia School, Gwalior. Addressing the gathering, Seth said Republic Day is not merely a national celebration but a tribute to the Constitution and the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Highlighting the importance of the NCC, the Minister described cadets as the “living bridge between India’s glorious past and its promising future.” He said the Republic Day Camp reflects the discipline, commitment and leadership potential of the country’s youth. Encouraging cadets to adopt a Swadeshi mindset, he referred to the growth of India’s startup ecosystem, noting that the number of startups has risen from around 800 to over two lakh in recent years under initiatives such as Startup India.
Seth praised 15 NCC cadets who participated in the Veer Birsa Munda Cyclothon from Ranchi to Delhi, covering nearly 1,300 km to spread the message of national integration and the ideals of tribal freedom fighter Veer Birsa Munda. He also commended 10 NCC cadets who successfully summited Mount Everest in 2025, calling their achievement a matter of national pride.
In his concluding remarks, the Minister urged cadets to remain rooted in duty, patriotism and constitutional values while preparing to face future challenges. He called upon them to carry forward their determination and hard work to contribute towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. He also expressed appreciation for NCC officers and instructors for their role in mentoring and shaping young leaders, and appealed to cadets to uphold the honour and dignity of the national flag through service with integrity.
As part of the visit, the Raksha Rajya Mantri toured the ‘Flag Area’, prepared by cadets from all 17 NCC Directorates on various social awareness themes, and visited the ‘Hall of Fame’, where cadets showcased the history, training activities and achievements of the NCC.
