SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said a truly developed society and nation are defined not only by infrastructure or economic growth but by strong character, shared values and social unity, with youth playing a central role in shaping this identity.
Addressing NCC cadets of the NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh who recently returned from New Delhi after attending the Republic Day Camp, the Lieutenant Governor said the nation’s real strength lies in the thinking, conduct and mutual trust of its citizens, and that young people are the primary drivers of change.
He described youth as the most energetic and transformative force of any country and lauded the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for nurturing discipline, leadership and a spirit of selfless service among generations of young Indians.
Sinha said the NCC, since its inception in 1948, has brought together youth from diverse backgrounds and instilled values of teamwork, national unity and service through camps, training programmes and social initiatives. He said national interest must always take precedence over personal gain.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that a developed society can take shape only when young people prioritise duty over convenience and the welfare of society over individual interests. He added that when honesty, hard work and service become integral to youth life, development moves beyond statistics and becomes value-driven.
Calling for self-development, Sinha said the personal progress of NCC cadets is directly linked to the nation’s advancement. He also urged cadets from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh to strengthen brotherhood by breaking barriers of region, language, caste and religion, and to promote unity through cooperation and shared responsibility.
He further stressed the need for ethical and socially responsible leadership across all sectors, including technology, industry, education, defence and culture, and commended the NCC Directorate for incorporating drone technology into training in keeping with global trends.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated cadets with Certificates of Excellence for their contributions during the Republic Day celebrations. A total of 128 cadets from the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh NCC Directorate participated in this year’s Republic Day events.
SUO Arpundeep Kour of 3 JK Battalion NCC, Baramulla, received the Raksha Mantri Padak for leadership and service during Op SINDOOR, while Lieutenant Ruksana Kousar was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation. The Directorate also secured 11 DG NCC Medallions and Commendation Cards.
Cadet Tawheed Altaf of 7 JK Battalion NCC, Baramulla, served as Parade Commander of the All India NCC Boys Contingent at Kartavya Path, while Cadet Samriti Kalhuria of 8 JK Battalion NCC acted as pilot to the Prime Minister during the PM Rally.
In recognition of its performance, the NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh was awarded the Director General’s Most Improved Directorate Award and secured a strong position at the all-India level during Republic Day 2026.
Maj Gen ABevli, VSM, Additional Director General of the JK and Ladakh Directorate, along with senior officers, instructors and officials, were present on the occasion.
