Modi Addresses First Batch Of New Generation Soldiers
PM Modi said that ‘New India’ is filled with renewed vigour, and efforts are underway to modernise the Armed Forces.
NEW DELHI, Jan 16 (The CONNECT) – Asserting that young Agniveers will make the Armed Forces more youthful and tech-savvy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said technologically-advanced soldiers will play a key role in contactless warfare and challenges of cyber warfare.
Addressing the maiden batch of Agniveers who commenced the basic training, Modi said the current generation of youth especially have this potential and so the Agniveers will play a leading role in our armed forces in the times to come.
He highlighted that this transformative policy will be a game changer in strengthening the Armed Forces and making them future ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
Hailing the potential of Agniveers, the Prime Minister said that their spirit is reflective of the bravery of the Armed Forces which has always kept the flag of the nation flying high. He said that the experience which they will acquire through this opportunity will be a source of pride for life.
Modi said that ‘New India’ is filled with renewed vigour, and efforts are underway to modernise the Armed Forces as well as make them ‘Aatmanirbhar’.
He expressed happiness that women Agniveers are adding pride to the Naval forces. He looks forward to seeing women Agniveers in all three forces, he said.
The Prime Minister also recalled how women are leading armed forces on various fronts, citing examples of woman soldier posted in Siachen and women driving modern fighter planes.
Modi said that getting posted in different regions will give them an opportunity to get diverse experiences and that they should try to learn different languages and also about different cultures and ways of living. He said that teamwork and honing of leadership skills will add a new dimension to their personality.
He exhorted Agniveers to remain curious about learning new things while simultaneously working on bettering their skills in the fields of their choice. Hailing the potential of youth and Agniveers, he said they are the ones who are going to provide leadership to the nation in the 21st century.
In his welcome remarks, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that strengthening the security apparatus of the country is the Government’s top-most priority amidst the ever-evolving global scenario and geopolitical uncertainty. In such a situation, the AGNIPATH scheme will make the profile of the Armed forces more youthful and tech-savvy, he said.
He said all efforts are being made so that the Agniveers are able to serve the society, along with the Armed Forces, with their strength and knowledge. The scheme is a pioneering step towards building a strong and prosperous ‘New India’.
Singh appreciated the fact that the scheme received encouraging response, with a large number of applicants turning up for the recruitment. He made special mention of the women Agniveers who are also being trained along with their male counterparts.
The Raksha Mantri pointed out that several ministries, including MoD, are coming forward for the welfare of Agniveers. “Reservation is being ensured for Agniveers on a number of posts in various departments of Ministry of Defence, Central Armed Police Forces and Ministry of Railways. Arrangements are being made jointly by MoD & Ministry of Education to ensure proper education to the Agniveers. In collaboration with Ministry of Finance, arrangements are being made to provide loans at reasonable rates to Agniveers, who wish to start self-employment or any business after service. Agniveers will not only become Surakshaveers, but also Samriddhiveers,” he said.