Raksha Mantri Emphasizes Importance of Soft Skills in the Age of AI during NCC Republic Day Camp Visit

Delhi: During his visit to the Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt. on January 20, 2024, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the significance of soft skills such as creativity, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and sensitivity in making individuals relevant and employable in the current age of machines and artificial intelligence (AI). Addressing the NCC cadets, he commended the NCC for fostering these qualities and ensuring the holistic development of cadets for leadership roles in the future.

In the era of technology-driven advancements and the increasing role of AI, Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that individuals should focus on careers in sectors where machines cannot replicate human-specific tasks. While acknowledging the capabilities of machines in executing physical and intellectual tasks, he highlighted that machines lack creativity, consciousness, and interpersonal skills—qualities inherent in humans. The Raksha Mantri commended the NCC for its pivotal role in nurturing these essential human attributes.

“The NCC, through its various initiatives and programs, is ensuring the holistic growth of cadets by making them physically, mentally, and emotionally strong, developing their social skills, and instilling feelings of patriotism and national pride,” stated Shri Rajnath Singh. He emphasized the importance of imbuing these qualities alongside academic studies, enabling cadets to contribute wholeheartedly to the country’s progress.

During the visit, the Raksha Mantri presented the Raksha Mantri Padak and Commendation Cards to NCC cadets for their outstanding performance and dedication to duty. The Raksha Mantri Padaks were awarded to Senior Under Officer Makkatira Kalpana Kuttappa and Junior Under Officer Dechen Chuskit. Commendation Cards were given to Under Officer Amar Morang and Senior Under Officer Jyotirmaya Singh Chauhan. Shri Rajnath Singh described the Investiture ceremony as a perfect example of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”

The NCC cadets showcased their talents through a vibrant cultural program, earning praise from the Raksha Mantri for their excellent performance. The visit also included a review of an impressive ‘Guard of Honour’ by cadets representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NCC. The event featured a band performance by The Scindia School, Gwalior, and visits to the ‘Hall of Fame,’ displaying NCC’s achievements over the past 75 years. DG NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh and other senior officials of NCC and the Ministry of Defence were present during the occasion.