Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that Delhi as a state has always encouraged the growth of National Cadet Corps (NCC) and has extended a helping hand wherever required. Kejriwal visited the NCC Republic Day Camp in Delhi Cantonment today. 

Addressing the NCC Republic Day Camp, he appreciated the NCC’s immense contribution to the society and invoked the nation-first principle. “We will progress as a nation socially and economically only when we believe in Nation First ideology,” he said. 

“NCC camp is indeed a microcosm of our country, with representation of cadets from every state and UT,” said Kejriwal, adding that at the outset, he would like to congratulate NCC upon completing 75 golden years. 

He said that every step of this journey by the NCC is steeped in rich heritage and tradition. 

“The NCC has literally evolved and transformed itself along with our nation which celebrated its 75th year of Independence last year,” said Kejriwal. 

He said, “It gives me great pleasure to have shared time with you all today. Your training imbibes you with discipline, camaraderie, a secular outlook, the spirit of adventure and infuses, in you, the ideals of selfless service to the society.”

“Our great nation needs these values in the present times and it gives me great reassurance that our youth are being groomed by NCC to be responsible, socially aware and disciplined citizens of our country,” Kejriwal said.

Sharing glimpses of the event on Twitter, the Chief Minister’s Office wrote, “Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the NCC Republic Day Parade Camp at Delhi Cantt today.  In his address, the Chief Minister appreciated the tireless efforts of NCC towards bringing a change in the outlook of the youth of the country.”

The NCC Republic Day Camp is held at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt every year. A total of 2155 cadets from all states and Union Territories attend the camp.

In addition, 32 officers and 166 cadets from friendly foreign countries – Argentina, Brazil, Fiji, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Mauritius, Maldives, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Russia, Seychelles, Sudan, Tajikistan, UK, USA, Uzbekistan and Vietnam – will also attend the Republic Day camp from January 15-29 as the guests of NCC.