Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the nature of warfare has expanded beyond conventional battlefields, with national security now encompassing economic, digital, energy and food dimensions, requiring constant vigilance from both the state and its citizens.
Addressing the Raising Day celebrations and Diamond Jubilee of Sainik School Ghorakhal in Uttarakhand through a virtual message, Singh outlined how modern conflicts have undergone a significant transformation. He said nations today can be weakened through cyber, economic, space and information warfare, shifting the focus from traditional military engagements to multi-domain threats.
He stressed that such evolving challenges demand a strong and capable military backed by a prepared civilian population. According to him, citizens must remain alert and ready to support national efforts under all circumstances, particularly in an era marked by unpredictable global developments.
Singh highlighted that the government, led by Narendra Modi, is actively strengthening defence capabilities by equipping the armed forces with advanced weapons and modern technologies. However, he noted that national preparedness is not limited to military strength alone and requires a disciplined and resilient population, especially among the youth.
Emphasising personal development, he called on young citizens to cultivate mental strength and clarity of thought through discipline. He linked this to the broader ability of the nation to respond effectively to emerging threats and uncertainties.
Referring to the concept of VUCA, Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous, Singh said these challenges define the current global environment. He urged students to reinterpret VUCA as Vision, Understanding, Courage and Adaptability, describing these traits as essential for navigating modern realities and contributing to nation-building.
He also outlined policy measures aimed at expanding opportunities for youth participation in defence-oriented training and education. Singh said the government has decided to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across the country under a public-private partnership model, aimed at instilling discipline and leadership qualities among students.
In addition, he pointed to the expansion of the National Cadet Corps, where the intake capacity has been increased from 17 lakh to 20 lakh cadets. The move, he said, is intended to engage more young people in structured training programmes that promote national service and preparedness.
Highlighting gender inclusion, Singh described the admission of girls into Sainik Schools as a transformative step. He said this decision strengthens the concept of ‘Nari Shakti’ and will enable young women to take on leadership roles across sectors in the future.
Extending greetings on the 60th anniversary of Sainik School Ghorakhal, Singh acknowledged the institution’s contribution to the armed forces. He noted that over 800 students from the school have joined the National Defence Academy, while more than 2,000 candidates have entered the armed forces through various recruitment channels.
The remarks come at a time when global conflicts are increasingly shaped by technological advancements and strategic competition across multiple domains. Singh’s address underlined the need for a comprehensive approach to national security, combining military strength with societal readiness in an evolving threat landscape.
