India’s push towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 will hinge not just on platforms and technology, but on disciplined, team-oriented youth capable of collective action, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi underlined during his address to NCC cadets on Monday (January 19, 2026).
Speaking on the occasion, the Navy chief lauded the cadets for their discipline, service ethos, and vital contributions to national initiative and nation-building; calling them a true reflection of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. His remarks framed India’s young population as a strategic asset.
Saying that “individual brilliance” alone cannot make a nation grow, CNS Admiral Tripathi stressed that the country’s demographic advantage could translate into national power only if backed by purpose, discipline and unity.
Youth as India’s greatest Strategic asset
With nearly 65% of India’s population below the age of 35, Admiral Tripathi noted that by the time India marks its centenary of Independence in 2047, today’s youth will occupy leadership roles across the armed forces, industry and governance, making their present-day mindset critical to the country’s future security and stability.
Drawing from military ethos, the Navy chief cautioned against overvaluing individual brilliance at the cost of collective effort. He emphasised that no organisation, military or civilian, can succeed on personal excellence alone, highlighting teamwork as the cornerstone of operational success.
“If you can harness this team spirit and youthful energy with unity and purpose, it will become a driving force in our nation’s quest to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he stated.
Discipline and perseverance for long-term gains
Admiral Tripathi referenced sporting excellence to reinforce the idea that long-term success is built on relentless discipline and perseverance, not short-term gains. He cited tennis star Roger Federer to stress on the same, while also recalling the valour and sacrifice made by Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal in the 1971 war to drive home the value of moral courage.
Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi urged cadets to internalise these traits early, describing them as non-negotiable qualities for those who will shape India’s security and economic future.
Rejecting the ‘what’s in it for me’ mindset
The Navy chief issued a clear call to move beyond transactional thinking, urging youth to discard the mindset of “what is in it for me?”. He argued that national progress and institutional success ultimately amplify individual achievement, not the other way around.
Rise above personal gains, the Admiral noted, adding that if the organisation you are working for or the nation rises, it will bring name for you too.
NCC as the nursery of India’s future leadership
Addressing NCC cadets, Admiral Tripathi described the organisation as a crucial pipeline for future leaders, instilling discipline, unity and a service-first outlook at an early stage. “So, if I see this making of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ akin to (the making) of a film, then you will be its actors, actresses, producers, directors, and many times its audience too in this journey,” the Navy chief underlined.
Referring to the vision of the PM Narendra Modi that India’s youth are a force for global good, CNS highlighted NCC’s growing focus on issues like technology, digital systems, drones, space and cyber domains, alongside character and leadership building.
With this, the Navy chief also shared 5 life lessons with cadets to help them realise their full potential in life – staying away from distractions and practising self-discipline; continuous learning and upskilling to remain relevant in a fast-changing world; physical and moral courage in the face of challenges; become a team player; and never give up.