Kathmandu, February 23

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the whole nation has its hope and trust pinned on youths.

Addressing the passing-out parade of the 17th Batch Senior Division Training conducted by the National Cadets Corps at Tundikhel here today, PM Dahal asserted that disciplined youths dedicated to the nation were the nation's primary need in the present situation.

'The hopes and dreams of not only your parents but those of professors, relatives and society as well are pinned on you. Therefore, you need to make your will power stronger and develop leadership acumen for building the best society possible by following good moral conduct and discipline.

'The task of becoming an able citizen is equally important for understanding one's duty towards society and nation and for fulfilling the responsibility accordingly,' PM Dahal said.

The National Cadet Corps was founded in 1965 with the mission of developing youths' personality in accordance with the principle 'Discipline Alone is Main Foundation for National Service.'

Stating that NCC training is not adequate in terms of its numbers in proportion to the national need, he said the government is serious about increasing the number of participants of the training in the coming days. He expressed commitment that the number of trainees would increase and the training's quality would also be enhanced in the days to come.

'The government has accorded high priority to this programme, which aims at producing disciplined, dignified, and civilised citizens committed to the nation as well as well-trained volunteer human resources that can be mobilised during times of disasters,' he said.

Reiterating that the NCC was established with the objective of addressing the nation's needs by producing morally upright, capable and patriotic youths, he expressed confidence that NCC graduates would shoulder the leadership role with the selfless motive of service as per the demand of the nation.

PM Dahal stated that the NCC's training provides not only knowledge in military skills and contemporary topics under the army's garb, but also the opportunity to understand each other's sentiments, culture, customs, tradition and history under a single roof despite coming from varied geographical terrains, cultures, traditions and backgrounds. He said this opportunity would help instil an additional commitment towards the feeling of national unity.

PM Dahal also assured the government's commitment to constantly remain active for the physical, mental, intellectual development of youths.

Stating that watching the march-past, skills and performances displayed by the NCC pass-outs reminded him of the happy moments of similar NCC training he had taken in the past, he said he has been receiving the energy of added commitment and sense of duty towards the country, while also fulfilling his present responsibility of the prime minister.

A version of this article appears in the print on February 24, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.