Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, said that India was a strong proponent of peace but will not hesitate to take steps to ensure its national security. He announced that his government will take all "big and tough" decisions that are necessary for the country's security in the coming days.
Addressing National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said, in the last four years, the government has taken several decisions keeping the security of the nation on its list of priorities. He also urged the cadets to spread greater awareness about the government's welfare schemes and to motivate the youth to vote in large numbers in the upcoming elections. The Prime Minister said his government is trying to replace the VIP culture with his EPI — 'Every Person is Important' ideology.
"We are strong proponents of peace but, we will not hesitate to take any step for national security. The armed forces have given a clear signal that we don't instigate but if instigated, we don't leave them (enemies of the country)," Modi said. Referring to completion of the nuclear triad, he said India was one of the few nations that could launch nuclear weapons from land, sea, and water.
Pointing to attacks from the opposition over the Rafale fighter jet deal, Modi said, "Projects pending since decades related to fighter aircraft and modernisation have materialised on the ground. Missiles, tanks, and helicopters are being made." He said a lot of important decisions have been taken for defence and security in the last four-and-a-half years.
He noted that whatever the government has been able to do, has been actively supported by the youth. "You (the youth) took forward the cleanliness movement through the Swachch Bharat movement, you backed a tough decision like demonetisation aimed at fighting corruption, you played an important role in bringing in a clean and transparent system through Digital India. You saved every programme from becoming just a government initiative," he added.
Emphasising that there was no difference between girls and boys, Modi said the government has taken steps to ensure that girls are connected to every possible opportunity. He said women have donned the role of fighter pilots, an all-women crew of the Indian Navy circumnavigated the world, and now his government has taken steps to induct women in military police and take it to nearly 20 per cent of the corp.
He said the cadets could visit several new landmarks that have come up in Delhi in the recent past, which are connected to India's heritage and great leaders. He mentioned the Kranti Mandir at Red Fort, and the Mahaparinirvana Sthal of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar at Alipur Road. The Prime Minister asserted that corruption cannot be a part of 'New India' and those indulging in grafting will not be spared. "I want to assure you that your family of birth, your economic situation ... this will not determine your future. Your skills, hardwork and self-confidence will give you results," he said.
NO VIP CULTURE
The Prime Minister said his government is trying to replace the VIP culture with his EPI — ‘Every Person is Important’ ideology. He encouraged the youth to cast their votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections
