Interacting with NCC cadets, NSS volunteers and tableaux artists, he asked them to take responsibility for social change and to fight blind faith.
"In order to make India a stronger and progressive nation, then (one should work on) its biggest strength (which) is its unity," Modi told the young participants.
After a photo-opportunity with various groups of young participants, Modi, in a break from tradition, also interacted with the children and addressed them.
He told them that in a democracy it is natural to have different views but one must strive towards unity.
He also asked them to fight blind faith, starting at home.
The prime minister also told the youngsters to take responsibility for social change instead of expecting the government to do everything and urged them to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi's dream of a clean India by 2019 -- the year of the father of the nation's 150th birth anniversary.
Modi told the youngsters that they should make an effort to know more about those who receive civil and military honours, especially those who sacrifice their lives for the country.
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