'Need more youth leaders for nation building'

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said the country needs more youth leaders to infuse creativity, energy and dynamism in different fields of national endeavour.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said the country needs more youth leaders to infuse creativity, energy and dynamism in different fields of national endeavour.

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"I have great faith in the youth of our country. I have no doubt that given the right opportunity, they will rise to the occasion.

"Our country needs many more youth leaders to infuse creativity, energy and dynamism in different fields of national endeavour," Singh said while addressing the NCC's annual rally at the Garrison Parade Ground on New Delhi.

Singh, who took the salute of an impressive parade by NCC's mounting and marching contingents, also lauded their contribution in various fields including sports and community service.

"I am very happy to learn that NCC cadets extended invaluable help in the aftermath of the serial bomb blast in Mumbai and the earthquake last year," he said.

Many national leaders including freedom fighter Subash Chandra Bose were NCC cadets, Singh said.

The Prime Minister also conveyed his wishes to cadets from other countries and asked them to carry back message of friendship, love and peace from India.

Cadets representing 17 directorates dotted the landscape with vibrant colours at the ground, where the Prime Minister also distributed awards to the cadets.

The march past was followed by a spectacular display of various skills by the cadets of the NCC's three wings.

Particularly eye-catching was the creation of a modern war-field by the Army wing cadets of NCC, who carried out thrilling and daring drops from helicopters.