India needs national movement of young people: PM

New Delhi, Jan 27: India needs a national movement of young people engaged actively in social development, sports and development of personal character, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said today.

''Values like discipline, loyalty, comradeship, dedication to the Nation and to the cause of social equity are built through such movements,'' Dr Singh said in his address at the NCC rally.

The Prime Minister expressed the hope that NCC would play its part in inculcating values among the youth.

''Discipline and character are required for country's growth and social justice could be developed by cultivating values of common honesty and industry,'' he added.

Reiterating that India was progressing ahead, he said the nation must sustain its progress and ensure social justice and equality for people.

''After six decades of our independence, our Republic today marches forward with confidence.... Our one billion plus population, of which the youth constitute more than 30 per cent, has much to benefit from the spirit of patriotism that drives you,'' he added.

Dr Singh exhorted students and the youth to enroll for NCC and Scouts and Guides as ''this is a very good life-long experience in self-discipline''.

Heaping praises on NCC cadets, Dr Singh said the cadets have established a just reputation of serving society and the nation.

''Our country is justly proud of the National Cadet Corps.

Since its inception, the NCC has contributed a great deal to the development of the personalities of thousands of our youth,'' he said.

''You represent the great diversity of our nation. You also symbolise our unity... Whenever our nation has confronted natural or man-made disasters, the cadets of the NCC have displayed exemplary courage and bravery in extending relief to the affected people,'' he said.

Dr Singh also presented awards to meritorious NCC cadets. The coveted Prime Minister's Banner and Trophy was awarded to the Maharashtra Directorate. Defence Minister A K Antony, Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju, Army Chief General J J Singh, Chief Of Naval Staff Admiral Suresh Mehta and Air Chief Air Marshal S P Tyagi also attended the rally besides others.

The rally commenced with the Prime Minister inspecting the Guard of Honour presented by Army, Navy and Air Force wing of the NCC which was followed by a march past.

A mounted contingent of the NCC led the march past and as many as 17 contingents of NCC directorates participated.

While Air Wing cadets presented an air show with micro light aircraft, the Army cadets displayed their skills with casualty evacuation, attack by combat team on enemy position and para sailing.

All the 17 state directorates for the first time presented tableaux on various themes, including scuba diving and kayaking.

More then 1,500 schoolchildren also participated in the rally.

UNI