New Delhi, Jan 28 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that the National Cadet Corps (NCC) has made immense contributions towards nation-building and the promotion of social harmony in the country.

"The National Cadet Corps makes the nation justly proud. Ever since its inception, the NCC has made immense contributions towards nation-building and the promotion of social harmony in our country. I am confident that with the destiny of our nation in the hands of youth such as our NCC cadets, the future of our country is bright," he said while addressing the NCC rally here today.

"It has brought together people from diverse backgrounds, religions, cultures and languages and inculcated in them the common values of humanism, patriotism and selfless service. It thus truly symbolizes the philosophy of unity in diversity, which forms the foundation of our nationhood," he added.

Singh also said that NCC cadets have displayed exemplary courage and bravery in support of disaster relief operations.

"The NCC played a stellar role during the relief operations following the natural disasters in Uttarakhand and Odisha last year. Our cadets also led the way in voluntarily contributing Rs. 50 lakhs towards the Prime Minister's relief fund. A grateful nation applauds them for this display of service and sacrifice," he said.

He further said that NCC has been very active in the area of social empowerment.

"We deeply value the awareness drives undertaken by it on issues like AIDS, female foeticide and environment protection. These initiatives are praiseworthy and must continue," he said.

Singh urged all students and youth to join the NCC, and experience a life of camaraderie, adventure and discipline.

"The National Cadet Corps embodies fully the values important for our nation's unity. There is no better training ground for the responsibilities that await our youth in years to come," he said.

He also complimented the NCC Boy Cadets for scaling the world's highest peak in their first-ever Mount Everest Expedition.

"It is a tribute to their teamwork, planning, stamina and skill. The nation is proud of their achievements," he said.

Singh said that aware and engaged youth are a force that can truly transform this country, and enable it to get rid of poverty, disease, underdevelopment and ignorance.

"We are living in a rapidly changing and increasingly interconnected world. It is only natural therefore that there is tremendous yearning amongst our youth to transform our society for the better. The youth today are not only aware and ready to articulate their views, but are also willing and prepared to participate in shaping our polity and society in a way that responds to their aspirations," he said.

"This is an extremely positive development. Aware and engaged youth are a force that can truly transform our country and enable it to get rid of poverty, disease, underdevelopment and ignorance. For that, we must follow what Mahatma Gandhi said - we must become the change we want to see," he added. (ANI)