New Delhi, Jan 8: “Life is not just about earning money or doing things only for oneself,” Air Chief Marshal A P Singh told NCC cadets on Thursday. Speaking at the Republic Day Camp in Delhi Cantonment, the Chief of the Indian Air Force urged the next generation to look beyond personal gain and commit to the collective progress of the country.
The Air Chief Marshal pointed to the civil defence contributions during Operation Sindoor as a turning point for public consciousness. He noted that the military action served as a catalyst for a broader sense of duty among the population.
“The military action brought a lot of awareness,” he said. “Whether you are a soldier or a military leader in uniform, or a regular citizen, give your best and contribute to nation-building.”
He made it clear that while not everyone will wear a uniform, the responsibility to serve remains universal. He encouraged cadets to carry this mindset into whatever profession they eventually choose.
Sharing a personal perspective on leadership, Air Chief Marshal Singh advised the 2,406 cadets in attendance to view setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. He used his own trajectory to the top of the IAF as evidence that perseverance is vital.
“I too faced failures in my life and career, but I rose to become an IAF chief,” he shared, urging the youth to emerge stronger from any obstacles they encounter.
