NCC displays unity in diversity: Modi

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) was a "mini India" and it displays the unity in diversity that is the country's strength, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday.

Speaking at the NCC rally here, the prime minister said it brought back memories of his childhood when he was an NCC cadet.

"I am standing in front of a mini India, a miniature of India's future. Our country is full of diversities, and unity in diversity is the beauty and strength of our nation. And this is what keeps inspiring us," he said.

"We are blessed that we are a youthful nation. Our dreams are young, our energy is youthful."

Modi called upon NCC cadets to plan a unique nationwide celebration of the first International Yoga Day June 21, which would send a strong inspirational message across the world.

"Yoga has now acquired a global character, and as the country in which yoga originated, we should show the world that yoga can be an important component of a balanced, strong mankind," Modi said.

About a tableau dedicated to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan presented by the cadets, Modi said the initiative was aimed at imbibing cleanliness as a habit among 125 crore Indians.

"We must work for cleanliness... this is a great way to serve Mother India," he said.

The prime minister revealed that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, BJP's Delhi chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi and actor-turned-parliamentarian Jaya Bachchan were all NCC cadets.

"I was also an NCC cadet but was never selected to come to Delhi," Modi said, and expressed happiness over the large number of girls participating in the parade.