NCC Cadets must lead fight against drugs: Satish Sharma

Srinagar, May 23: Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma on Saturday said that National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets must become “soldiers” in the fight against drug abuse.

Addressing NCC cadets during the Special National Integration Camp (SNIC) at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, Sharma said that narcotics was a “weapon” being used to destroy the country’s youth from within. “Drug menace is posing one of the gravest threats to society, particularly in border regions. The poison of drugs is being used as a weapon not fired from a gun, but one that destroys from within,” he said.

He said that drugs corrode potential, breaks families and robs the nation of its most precious resource, its youth. He urged the NCC cadets to take a stand against narcotics, saying that cadet must “refuse it, resist it and report it.” “A nation’s greatest enemy is not always across the borders. Sometimes it is the one that creeps silently into our homes,” he said. The minister also highlighted the role of NCC in fostering discipline, integrity, leadership and national unity among youth. He described the cadets as the “true face of India and said the camp reflected the country’s diversity and collective spirit. “You come from different regions, different cultures and backgrounds, yet you stand together in one uniform with one purpose and one heartbeat. This is the power of NCC and the strength of India,” he said. Recalling some incidents of his personal life, Satish Sharma said he is the son of a soldier and had grown up witnessing the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel. “I have seen firsthand the silent courage behind every farewell at the doorstep and the deep love for the tricolour that defines a soldier’s soul,” he said.

The minister also praised the NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for organising the camp and lauded the cadets for showcasing India’s cultural diversity through performances during the event. “Every dance, every song and every performance is a thread in the rich tapestry of our civilisation,” he said.

He further said that an NCC Unity Run scheduled on Sunday at Nishat Garden along the banks of Dal Lake will act as a “powerful symbol of India’s youthful energy and determination.” He also talked about perseverance and discipline while recounting episodes from his childhood in a border area affected by shelling and his struggles before entering politics. “Youth must remain resilient despite hardships and never give up in life. The real courage today is saying no, firmly and fearlessly,” he said Minister for Sports also made several announcements related to development and employment in J&K and claimed that the government was working on bringing IPL matches to the J&K UT within the next 14 months. He further said two IT parks were being planned in J&K, which, according to him, would generate employment opportunities for around 50,000 people. The minister also referred to plans for a cruise transport system to address traffic congestion in the region. During his speech, Satish Sharma turned poetic and recited couplets while urging cadets to stay strong and disciplined in the face of challenges. “This century belongs to our country,” he said.