NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Vice-President Hamid Ansari today said there is a need for every citizen to remain true to the constitutional principles of liberty, equality, fraternity and justice for all as India faces challenges of poverty and under- development on one hand and communalism, casteism, linguistic and regional chauvinism on the other.
“Every society has fault lines based on social, economic and political differences. These generate tensions at times. We are no exception. We still face challenges of poverty and under-development on one hand and communalism, casteism, linguistic and regional chauvinism on the other.
The duty of a good citizen is to remain true to the constitutional principles of liberty, equality, fraternity and justice for all,” the Vice-President said in his address after inaugurating the NCC Republic Day Camp at the Garrison Parade Grounds at Delhi Cantonment.
The Vice-President urged NCC cadets to protect and promote India’s pluralism ‘which has given us a unique, composite national identity that is a source of envy for the rest of the world’.
Commending the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for its efforts to raise awareness on issues such as AIDS, adult education, leprosy, drugs, dowry, tobacco abuse, vigilance and corruption, Dr Ansari said, “These are social ills which have to be eradicated for the good of our people.”
“It has discharged its responsibilities towards the nation with honesty and dedication. The cadets, who have been specially selected to represent various states of our Union, are the pillars of the Corps.
They are motivated and trained into becoming responsible and disciplined citizens of tomorrow. Their period with the NCC promotes a spirit of unity, camaraderie, teamwork and discipline amongst them. These go a long way in building a harmonious and creative society,” the Vice-President said. He complimented the NCC for fostering the spirit of adventure amongst the youth. The planned summit to Mount Everest by NCC Girl Cadets in 2016 was a step in this direction. He also congratulated them on the success of the NCC National Games held in October 2014.
Earlier, the Vice-President inspected the Guard of Honour and witnessed Band Display by NCC cadets and also visited the Flag Area. (UNI)
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