Address by Governor at the Programme followed by High Tea with NCC Cadets returning from the Republic Day Camp

Publish Date: February 6, 2018

Address by Shri Ch Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra at the Cultural Programme followed by High Tea with NCC Cadets returning from the Republic Day Camp (Held in New Delhi) at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai at 1100 hrs on Monday, 5th February 2018

Major General Gajendra Prasad, Additional Director General, National Cadet Corps, Brigadier Jagdeep Singh, DDG, Brigadier Shardendu, Group Captain P. Bakshi, Commodore Sunil Balakrishnan, Captain V K Shukla, officers and trainers of Maharashtra NCC, Culture and Art Directors, Coordinators and my dear Cadets,

I extend a hearty welcome to each one of you to Raj Bhavan.

By representing Maharashtra at the prestigious Republic Day Camp and by putting up your best performance, you have done the State proud.

I congratulate each one of you, and I would like to tell you that Maharashtra is proud of you and the Nation is proud of you.

I was impressed by your brilliant performance and inspiring presentation today.

You are indeed very fortunate cadets. At a young age, you got the honour of representing the State and participating in the Republic Day Camp. The fact that you were selected from out of 1 lakh cadets from across the State is a testimony of your exceptional qualities, caliber and capability.

Maharashtra NCC is looked up in the entire country as the best Directorate having the unique distinction of winning the Prime Minister’s Banner and Trophy 17 times since introduction of the banner. I wish and hope that we shall reclaim our rightful place and continue our winning streak.

I congratulate Maharashtra NCC, its officers and to each one of you for bringing various trophies and medals in individual and team events.

Dear Cadets,

I would like to tell you something, which many of you, probably, may not be aware.

India was among the richest nations in the world with unprecedented prosperity for the greater part of the last two millenniums.

The Gross Domestic Product of India in the 16th Century was 25.1 per cent of the world economy. Which means India’s share in the world economy was one-fourth of the total. Unfortunately, we went through a long spell of foreign domination during which we suffered economic, social and cultural destruction at the hands of our colonial masters. At the time of our Independence, our GDP had come down to less than 4 percent of the world economy. We also lost our education system which produced sages and thinkers in various disciplines.

This land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gave toughest resistance to the foreign powers and colonisers.

One lesson we learn from the life of Shivaji Maharaj and our great national leaders in the freedom movement that if we stay united, no power on earth can defeat us.

Seventy One years after attaining Independence, India is once again on the verge of breaking into the league of economic superpowers.

India is today the youngest nation in the world having maximum share of youthful population. You, the youth of India, are the future of the nation.

The future destiny of India will depend on how the youth involve themselves in the task of nation building. NCC has imbibed discipline, dedication and an urge to serve the nation among the youth.

We also need the involvement and participation of youth in conserving environment and preserving heritage.

I am pleased to note that NCC cadets are also involved in various social awareness programmes and initiatives like Swachch Bharat Abhiyan and the Yoga Day. We must continue such engagement with society.

Dear Cadets,

I want to remind you that once a cadet, always a cadet. You will be finishing your training with NCC after some time, but you must never cease to be a cadet. The qualities of discipline and patriotism must become part of your personality and nature. I expect you to provide leadership to society in whichever area you work or study.

The Republic Day Camp will remain etched in your mind as the most memorable experience of your life. The bonds of brotherhood and friendships fostered during the Camp will remain strong throughout your life.

I call upon the NCC to resolve to work with the same zeal, valour and dedication for which you are known, to make India a leader in the world.

I congratulate the Maharashtra NCC, its officers and cadets for your success in the Republic Day Camp and wish you Godspeed in your future endeavors.

Thank you

Jai Hind Jai Maharashtra