INDIA. Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed via video conference the first batch of Agniveers of the three services, who commenced their basic training at different centres across the country on Monday.
PM Narendra Modi congratulated the Agniveers on being the pioneers of this path-breaking Agnipath Scheme. He highlighted that this transformative policy will be a game changer in strengthening the Indian Armed Forces and making them future-ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
Modi affirmed that the young Agniveers will make the armed forces more youthful and tech-savvy.
Hailing the potential of Agniveers, Modi 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 they will acquire through this opportunity will be a source of pride for life.
The Prime Minister said that the new India is filled with renewed vigour, and efforts are underway to modernise our armed forces as well as make them Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant).
In the 21st century, the way wars are fought is changing, he said. Discussing the new fronts of contactless warfare and the challenges of cyber warfare, the PM said technologically-advanced soldiers will play a key role in our armed forces.
“The current generation of youth has especially this potential, and so the Agniveers will play a leading role in our armed forces in the times to come,” he added.
Narendra Modi also spoke about how the scheme will further empower women. He expressed happiness at how women Agniveers are adding pride to the naval forces and said that he looks forward to seeing women Agniveers in all three forces.
Modi also recalled how women are leading armed forces on various fronts, citing examples of woman soldiers 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 as well as about different cultures and ways of living. He said that teamwork and the honing of leadership skills will add a new dimension to their personalities.
Modi exhorted Agniveers to remain curious about learning new things while simultaneously working on improving their skills in the fields of their choice.
Hailing the potential of youth and Agniveers, Modi concluded by saying that they are the ones who are going to provide leadership to the nation in the 21st century.
Also Read: Indian Army Begins Training for Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme
