Youth should be involved in nation-building: PM

Noting that more than a third of India's population is below the age of 20, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said involvement of youth in nation-building activities will be a key determinant in the country's success.

"All of you know that India is a young nation with more than a third of our population below the age of 20. Very few countries in the world are bestowed with such youthful human resources," Dr Singh said addressing the Republic Day Rally of NCC Cadets in Delhi.

"The spirit of the NCC needs to be replicated in many spheres of our society to bring about constructive social changes. The involvement of youth in a wide variety of nation-building activities will be a key determinant in our success and excellence," he said.

Dr Singh said he wanted the young people to seek adventure and test their limits, not just academically but in all aspects of one's personality development.

"We are going to support youth programmes that enable young people to get involved in spreading literacy, in rural development and so on," he said.

"As we register unprecedented progress in the economic field, we need to imbibe discipline and develop character more vigorously," he said.

Dr Singh also said he would like sports activities to receive a new boost. "India must catch up with the world in the sporting arena, in all sporting disciplines," he said.

The prime minister said the NCC represents a movement for peace and constructive engagement for building an India where youth can play a more positive role for the cause of society and nation.

"The NCC inculcates among our youth the enduring values of our Republic, our civilisation and composite culture," Dr Singh said, adding the men and women of the cadet corps display the promise and hope of India to address the challenges facing our ancient civilisation and modern nation.

The rally at the Garrison Parade Ground, that was attended by Defence Minister A K Antony, Minister of State for Defence M Pallam Raju and the three service chiefs, saw a spectacular display of martial skills and cultural programmes by the young cadets.

The cadets presented the prime minister with a guard of honour, that was followed by an impressive march past led by the NCC mounted contingent.

Army wing cadets carried out a mock attack on enemy positions that involved being dropped by a helicopter.

The cadets also impressed the audience with their para-sailing skills.

The air wing cadets won applause as they flew past in their microlight aircraft.

The prime minister gave away prizes to the meritorious cadets, with the Champion Directorate Trophy going to Andhra Pradesh.