India’s youth must remain prepared to take on every challenge: Rajnath

While the world is going through a period of uncertainty, India’s youth must remain strong and be prepared to overcome any challenge, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Addressing a group of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, he spoke about India’s “appropriate response” in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and urged them to take inspiration from those who played a vital role during Operation Sindoor.

Mr Singh described NCC students as the country’s second line of defence.

“The Indian Armed Forces destroyed terrorists based in Pakistan and PoK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir), which was a befitting response to the unfortunate and cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam,” Mr. Singh said.

‘Courage and moderation’

“Our soldiers acted with courage and restraint. We did not target and destroy anyone, but only those who harmed us. This was possible because they were physically, mentally and emotionally strong.” he said.

The Defense Minister described the youth as Abhimanyu from Mahabharata, who knew how to get into any ‘Chakravyuh’ and emerge victorious from there.

Mr. Singh also urged them to contribute to realizing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s vision of making India a developed country by 2047.

“We have now entered a period in which expectations from young people have increased. They are the invaluable assets of the nation who bear the responsibility of taking the country to higher levels.” he said.

Mr. Singh was addressing students at the NCC Republic Day Camp in Delhi Cantonment.

“Nowadays, the world sells comfort. Video games, food delivery and similar things aim to bring comfort to human life. NCC, through parades, drills and camps, helps take you out of this comfort zone and makes a student mentally strong,” he said.

“Children also learn many life skills that can help them protect themselves and others during disasters,” he said.