New Delhi: In a compelling address to NCC cadets on Monday, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi invoked the world of cinema to highlight the crucial role of India’s youth in shaping the nation’s future. Drawing a metaphor between filmmaking and nation-building, the admiral said that the country’s young population would be the actors, producers, directors, and sometimes even the audience in the making of a ‘Viksit Bharat’—a developed India—by 2047.

Youth as the Driving Force

Admiral Tripathi reminded the gathering that India’s youth constitute nearly 65 percent of the population, making them the backbone of the country’s developmental journey. “I am not putting pressure on you to deliver, but you will have to work as you form the majority of the population,” he said. He emphasized that the mindset of “what is in it for me?”must be replaced by a vision that prioritizes collective growth over individual gains.

“The idea is simple,” the admiral explained. “If the organisation you are working for or the nation rises, it will bring name for you too.” He underscored that personal success and national progress are intertwined, and that selfless contribution is key to India’s emergence as a developed nation.

Lessons from Sports and History

To stress the importance of discipline, perseverance, and moral courage, Admiral Tripathi drew examples from both sports and military history. He cited tennis legend Roger Federer, highlighting how consistent hard work and determination can help one reach the pinnacle of excellence.

The admiral also invoked the heroism of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, a Param Vir Chakra awardee who displayed extraordinary valour during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. “His sacrifice reminds us that moral courage and dedication to duty are timeless values that must guide our actions,” he said.

Unity and Teamwork: Pillars of Progress

Admiral Tripathi stressed that individual brilliance alone cannot drive organisational or national growth. The focus, he said, should be on teamwork, self-discipline, and collective energy. “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 said.

The metaphor of filmmaking resonated throughout his speech: in this “national film,” each young person has a role to play—sometimes leading as actors and directors, sometimes supporting as producers, and at times observing and learning as an audience. Every role is essential for the final outcome: a nation that is developed, resilient, and globally respected.

A Call for Vision Beyond Personal Gains

Admiral Tripathi urged the youth to rise above self-interest, stating that the lexicon of personal gain must give way to service-oriented thinking. He asserted that the collective success of institutions and the nation would naturally bring recognition to the individuals contributing to it.

“You will have to rise above personal gains,” he said. “The mindset of ‘what is in it for me?’ should go out of one’s lexicon. If the organisation you are working for or the nation rises, it will bring name for you too.”

Building a Developed India by 2047

The Navy chief reminded the cadets that by 2047—the centenary of India’s independence—most of today’s youth will be in their late 30s or early 40s. Their energy, skills, and leadership will shape the country’s trajectory over the next two decades. With strategic vision, dedication, and a sense of responsibility, the youth can help India achieve economic prosperity, technological advancement, and global leadership.

In closing, Admiral Tripathi urged the cadets to embrace the responsibilities of being active participants in the nation-building process. Just as a film requires meticulous effort from actors, directors, and crew, a developed India requires active involvement, collaboration, and unwavering commitment from its young citizens.

The address served as both a motivation and a blueprint, reminding India’s youth that they are not just spectators of the nation’s progress—they are its architects, creators, and custodians.

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