New Delhi [India], October 31 (ANI): Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, on Friday lauded young military officers, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, and 'social media warriors' for their contributions during 'Operation Sindoor,' a military action conducted in May 2025 in response to a major terror attack in Pahalgam.

Speaking at the Young Leaders Forum, General Dwivedi highlighted the exemplary role of young Indians, including military personnel, NCC cadets, civil defence workers, drone experts, and citizens who worked through social media platforms during the operation. He described their contributions as a demonstration of India's resolve and moral strength.

He said, 'India's history has many heroes who are a testimony to the courage and conviction of its young sons and daughters. Timeless examples proving that age never limits contribution. In the recent Operation Sindoor, many of you were actively involved. Some are young military officers, some are NCC cadets, some are in civil defence, some are in drone labs, and some are social media warriors. Our skilled human resources are one of our greatest instruments of power.'

Further, he asked the youth to join the 'national security mission' by indulging in innovations and not to be 'indifferent' to matters of national security.

He said, 'I would like to give a call to action to our youth and will leave a few thoughts with you, gained from my own experience. Firstly, your duty calling is what you define it to be... You have to start today and by yourself. Secondly, inventions and innovations spring out of adversity. Don't get too comfortable and look for many resources.'

'Thirdly, national security is not just about soldiers at the borders. It's also about citizens and youths who refuse to be indifferent. Fourthly, excellence demands sweat. Every challenge has to be taken as an opportunity. I urge every young Indian to join the national security mission with or without a uniform, build technology, shape policy, and spread awareness,' General Dwivedi added.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju attributed India's economic progress to the active participation of youth and the Indian Army.

Rijiju said, 'National unity and strength are matters of utmost importance. From being a developing nation to achieving a current growth rate of over 7 per cent, India's progress is attributed to the active participation of its youth and the Indian Army.'

'The goal is for India to become a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through self-reliance and sustained economic growth. India's growth and success today are because of leaders like Sardar Patel, presenting India's past struggles and present achievements,' the Union Minister added.

The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), organised the Young Leaders Forum at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, as a pre-event to the third edition of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue (CDD) 2025, scheduled for 27-28 November 2025, a press release by the Ministry of Defence said.

The CDD is the Indian Army's flagship annual seminar, themed this year 'Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat'. (ANI)