The faculty and course members of 62nd National Defence College Course, called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (September 15, 2022).
Addressing the gathering, the President said that security is a term which we often use in our conversations. But it has wide ramifications. Its interpretation has expanded drastically in the past decades. What was limited to mere territorial integrity has now come to be seen in political and economic contexts also. Thus, the aim of the NDC course to study “strategic, economic, scientific, political and industrial aspects of national defence” is even more relevant today. She was happy to note that the NDC course has over the years lived up to its aim of educating its participants to have a deep understanding of these issues.
Noting that the 62nd NDC Course has 62 participants from the armed forces, 20 from civil services, 35 from friendly foreign countries and 1 from corporate sector, she said that it is this unique feature of this course which has made it win immense appreciation. She said that it gives the course members an opportunity to know different perspectives, thereby widening the horizons of their thoughts and understanding.
The President said that we are in a dynamic world where even a small change can have a wide impact. Sometimes, it can have safety and security connotations. The pace and tide of the Covid pandemic is just an example of the threat which the humanity faces today. It makes us realize the vulnerability of humankind. Every threat makes us think about the need to fight it and prevent its recurrence. We need to prepare ourselves to face not just the traditional threats but even the unseen ones which also include the vagaries of nature. Climate change and sustainable development are issues which are of prime importance today. It is the need of the hour that countries across the board should come together and work out solutions for them. It is at this point that the strategic policies coincide with the foreign policies of the countries. It is a multi-discipline and multi-dimensional approach for which we need to equip ourselves.
The President said that India as a nation is taking strides to become an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Various policy initiatives are being implemented to make this vision possible. It is this vision which brings India on the path of development and progress. She said that it was a proud moment for each Indian when recently the first indigenously built aircraft carrier, Vikrant, was inducted in the Indian Navy. Such steps bring a fresh hope and inspiration in the people of India. She expressed confidence that we would continue to tread this path of progress in a steadfast manner.
