Jammu Tawi, Feb 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the true identity of a nation is reflected in the thinking, conduct, and mutual trust of its citizens, asserting that youth play a central role in shaping these values.
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 that development goes far beyond infrastructure, technology, and economic indicators. “A developed society is one where people possess strong character, social values remain firm, and unity binds the social fabric,” he said.
Highlighting the role of youth, LG Sinha described young people as the most energetic, creative, and transformative force of the nation. “At the heart of a developed nation stands youth power. Youth are the drivers of change,” he said, adding that wealth of thought and conduct is created by young minds.
He lauded the contribution of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in nurturing disciplined, socially responsible citizens and promoting selfless service. Since its inception in 1948, the NCC has united youth from diverse backgrounds and instilled values such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, and service through camps, training, cultural activities, and social campaigns.
Calling upon cadets to focus on self-development, LG Sinha said that individual growth is directly linked to national progress. He also urged NCC cadets of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh to strengthen brotherhood by breaking barriers of region, language, caste, and religion. “Development is not about ‘I’ but about ‘we’. Unity must be practiced daily, and diversity should become society’s strength,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for ethical and socially responsible leadership across all sectors, including IT, industry, education, armed forces, and culture. He also commended the Directorate for incorporating drone technology into NCC training, calling it a forward-looking initiative aligned with global changes.
LG Sinha felicitated cadets with Certificates of Excellence for their outstanding performance at the Republic Day Camp and other competitions. A total of 128 cadets from the Directorate participated in this year’s Republic Day celebrations.
Notable achievements included SUO Arpundeep Kour receiving the Raksha Mantri Padak, Lieutenant Ruksana Kousar being honoured with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation, and the Directorate securing 11 DG NCC Medallions. The NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh was also awarded the Director General’s Most Improved Directorate Award.
Senior NCC officers and officials were present on the occasion.
