Security now spans cyber, economic and space domains, with citizens playing a critical role alongside the armed forces.

New Delhi, March 21: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday sounded a clear note of caution: modern warfare has moved well beyond conventional battlefields. Speaking at the Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Sainik School, Ghorakhal in Uttarakhand via video message, the Defence Minister said that threats today reach into cyber, economic, space and information domains, and that the nation must be ready for all of them.
Rajnath Singh made clear that national security can no longer be the responsibility of the armed forces alone. Adversaries, he noted, increasingly exploit non conventional means to destabilise nations, making it essential for every citizen to remain alert, aware and resilient. A strong military backed by a prepared citizenry, he said, is the foundation of a secure India.
The Defence Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the ongoing push to equip India’s military with advanced technologies. He spoke at length about the importance of mental strength, discipline and determination among the youth, qualities he called indispensable in times of uncertainty. Invoking the VUCA framework: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity, he offered students a fresh lens through which to see it: Vision, Understanding, Courage and Adaptability.
On the government’s commitment to defence education, Rajnath Singh highlighted two significant steps. The first is the establishment of 100 new Sainik Schools across India under a Public Private Partnership model. The second is the expansion of the National Cadet Corps, with intake capacity raised from 17 lakh to 20 lakh cadets, a move that meaningfully widens the pipeline of trained, patriotic youth.
He also described the opening of Sainik Schools to girls as a “historic” development, one that gives concrete shape to the spirit of Nari Shakti. The Defence Minister expressed confidence that these young women will go on to distinguish themselves across fields, military and civilian alike.
The occasion itself was a milestone worth celebrating. Sainik School, Ghorakhal completes 60 years of service this year, six decades during which it has sent more than 800 cadets to the National Defence Academy and over 2,000 officers into the services through competitive routes including the Combined Defence Services Examination and the Air Force Common Admission Test. Among its distinguished alumni is Lt Gen MK Katiyar, currently serving as General Officer Commanding in Chief of Western Command.
Rajnath Singh congratulated the school on its diamond jubilee and expressed full confidence that it will continue to shape future leaders, men and women who carry with them not just skill and discipline, but a deep and enduring commitment to the nation.