Youth can help tackle complex challenges, says PM

New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS) The country can address most complex challenges if the youth channelised their energies in a positive direction, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday.

Addressing the annual National Cadet Corps (NCC) rally here, the prime minister said the youth should exploit emerging opportunities with a firm resolve and contribute positively towards the country's development.

"India is a young nation... I assure you and through you the youth of the country that the best is yet to unfold, the future belongs to you," said the prime minister.

If the energy of the youth was used in positive direction, it could address "the most complex challenges" facing the country, he said.

The prime minister, who took the salute at an impressive ceremonial parade by NCC cadets at the Garrison Parade Ground here, complimented the young cadets for their performance.

The prime minister's banner was awarded to Maharashtra directorate, which emerged champion for the fourth year in succession.

Manmohan Singh said the NCC had made immense contribution to the process of nation-building. "It has transformed the lives of millions of youth honing their skills."

He said the organisation had lived up to the vision of former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru who saw it as an instrument of training youth to be responsible citizens.

The prime minister also presented awards to cadets who had excelled in various competition categories.

The parade comprised 17 marching and one mounted contingent of various NCC directorates.

The parade was followed by tableaux of the army, naval and air wings of the NCC.