New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver a keynote address at the annual National Cadet Corps (NCC) PM Rally on Wednesday at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi, where he will express his views on placing the nation first and the importance of character development.

The NCC PM Rally represents the grand finale of the month-long NCC Republic Day Camp 2026, which has seen the participation of 2,406 cadets from all over the country, including 898 girl cadets.

Additionally, the rally will feature 207 youth and officers from 21 foreign countries, as reported by officials.

The theme for this year’s rally, ‘Rashtra Pratham - Kartavya Nishtha Yuva’, embodies the essence of duty, discipline, and national dedication among India’s youth, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

During the event, a lively cultural program will be showcased by NCC cadets, along with members of the Rashtriya Rangshala and National Service Scheme, highlighting their contributions to nation-building, social service, and character development.

In a prior visit to the camp, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the NCC cadets as the nation's second line of defence.

He encouraged the youth to take inspiration from their crucial role in raising public awareness during the mock drills conducted nationwide as part of Operation Sindoor.

While addressing the cadets at the NCC Republic Day Camp in Delhi Cantonment, the Defence Minister remarked, ‘As the world faces uncertainty, our youth must remain physically, mentally, and emotionally robust, ready to tackle all challenges.’

Recalling Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh stated, ‘The Indian Armed Forces successfully targeted terrorists based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, delivering a strong response to the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Our soldiers acted with valor and restraint, ensuring that we only targeted those who harmed us.’

He emphasized that the NCC serves as an exceptional platform to develop youth who contribute greatly to nation-building.

According to him, the NCC fosters discipline and patriotism in cadets while helping them overcome the challenge of ‘lack of focus’.

Moreover, he highlighted that the NCC imparts essential qualities like patience, continuity, and focus, which are crucial for overcoming life's major challenges, fulfilling national responsibilities, and building character.

This focus, Rajnath Singh noted, manifests in every aspect of their lives, whether they pursue careers as Armed Forces personnel, doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, administrators, or politicians.