ITANAGAR, Sep 16: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik has urged NCC cadets to remain connected to their roots and cultural heritage while embracing modern knowledge, technology and innovation, stressing that a balance between tradition and contemporary learning is essential for building confident and responsible citizens.
The Governor was addressing NCC cadets who represented the State at the Republic Day Camp (RDC), Republic Day Parade and Prime Minister’s Rally in New Delhi during 2025 and 2026. He felicitated the cadets at a programme held at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli on Wednesday.
Congratulating the cadets on their achievements, Parnaik said earning a place in the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path was a rare honour and a matter of immense pride not only for the cadets but also for their families, educational institutions and the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
He said the participation of Arunachal’s NCC cadets at national-level events carries a deeper significance as they serve as ambassadors of the State before the nation. Through their conduct and achievements, the cadets reflect the discipline, confidence, rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions and diversity of the State.
Highlighting the importance of the National Cadet Corps in nation-building, the Governor said NCC, as the country’s largest uniformed youth organisation, has played an important role in nurturing young people with values of discipline, leadership, character, courage and selfless service.
“The future of India and Arunachal Pradesh rests in the hands of the youth,” he said, adding that the aspirations, innovation and hard work of young people would shape the country’s future.
Parnaik called upon the cadets to become role models for their peers and communities and to make meaningful contributions to society. He encouraged them to look beyond conventional career choices and develop the ability to identify challenges and find practical solutions.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s call at the BRICS Summit to build an “ecosystem of solutions”, the Governor said young people should emerge as problem-solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and community leaders.
He encouraged the cadets to observe challenges in their surroundings, understand their causes and work collectively towards developing practical and sustainable solutions. Such an approach, he said, would enable young people to contribute directly to the development of their communities and the nation.
The Governor emphasised that education, discipline and motivation are three essential qualities for every good citizen. He said education provides knowledge and wisdom, discipline instils responsibility and focus, while motivation gives individuals the perseverance to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Parnaik said NCC cadets, through their training and participation in national events, are well placed to develop and demonstrate these qualities. He urged them to carry the discipline and spirit of service acquired through NCC into their professional and personal lives.
Advising the cadets to remain physically fit, mentally alert and morally upright, the Governor stressed that physical fitness and mental preparedness must be complemented by strong ethical values.
He particularly called upon the young cadets of Arunachal Pradesh to preserve their connection with their communities, traditions and cultural heritage. At the same time, he encouraged them to acquire modern knowledge and technological skills so that they can effectively participate in a rapidly changing world.
Parnaik expressed confidence that the cadets would continue to uphold the NCC motto, “Unity and Discipline”, and become responsible citizens committed to service, unity and patriotism. He said their contribution would be important in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 as well as building a prosperous and progressive Arunachal Pradesh.
During the felicitation programme, several cadets who represented Arunachal Pradesh at RDC 2025 and RDC 2026 were honoured for their participation in the Republic Day Parade, Prime Minister’s Rally and cultural programmes.
Senior Under Officer Lunkung Yaji of 1 AP Battalion NCC, Naharlagun, who represented Arunachal Pradesh in the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path during RDC 2025, was among those felicitated.
Senior Under Officer Galmu Tamang, Under Officer Vishal Rai and Sergeant Chow Sidharth Manlai of 22 AP Battalion NCC, Pasighat, were honoured for their participation in the Prime Minister’s Rally during RDC 2025, while Sergeant Mitet Megu of the same battalion was felicitated for participating in the cultural programme.
For RDC 2026, Under Officer Koj Nancy, Cadet Elisha Kino and Cadet Likha Takap of 1 AP Battalion NCC, Naharlagun, were felicitated for their participation in the cultural programme. Senior Under Officer Rahul Chutia, Senior Under Officer Ajay Singh and Corporal Tamo Suniya of 1 AP Battalion NCC, Naharlagun, along with Sergeant Nanu Tamang and Sergeant Bir Tamang of 2 AP Battalion NCC, Tawang, were honoured for representing the State at the Prime Minister’s Rally. Cadet James Modi of 22 AP Battalion NCC, Pasighat, was also felicitated for participating in the cultural programme during RDC 2026.
Captain Palvinder Singh, Associate NCC Officer of Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic College, Itanagar, was also felicitated for his contribution to NCC training and youth development.
Roing MLA-cum-Advisor to Education and Home Ministers Muthchu Mithi, Secretary Education Kanto Danggen and Director, Secondary Education Marte Koyu also addressed the cadets.
NERIST Director Prof Narendranath S, Commander NCC Group Headquarters, Tezpur, Brig Mayank Vaid, In-charge Registrar NERIST Prof Sarsing Gao, Col Surjit Rai, NCC Admin, Sokun Singh, Youth Officer, NCC officers and instructors, cadets and schoolchildren attended the programme.
Arunachal Pradesh currently has 12,760 NCC cadets under 1 AP NCC Battalion, Naharlagun, 22 AP NCC Battalion, Pasighat, and 2 AP Mixed NCC Battalion, Tawang.