In a remarkable initiative, over 500 cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) will embark on a unique river sailing expedition on October 21.
This first-of-its-kind journey, themed "Bharatiya Nadiya - Sanskritiyon ki Janani," will cover nearly 1,200 km across the Ganga and Hooghly rivers, traversing three states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
The expedition, which will be flagged off from Kanpur, involves 528 naval wing cadets and is a flagship event leading up to the Republic Day Camp 2025, as announced by the defence ministry. It aims to celebrate India's rich maritime traditions while inspiring youth towards adventure and a life of service in uniform.
The journey will unfold in six phases: Kanpur to Prayagraj (260 km), Prayagraj to Varanasi (205 km), Varanasi to Buxar (150 km), Buxar to Patna (150 km), Patna to Farakka (230 km), and Farakka to Kolkata (205 km). The cadets, representing various state directorates, will be accompanied by nearly 40 Associate NCC Officers.
Throughout the expedition, the cadets will engage with local NCC groups and contribute to the 'Swachh Bharat' initiative by cleaning riverbanks and removing plastic waste.
Additionally, they will perform 'nukkad natak' to promote India's rich cultural traditions and raise awareness about environmental conservation.
This expedition not only fosters camaraderie among cadets but also aims to instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment and cultural heritage.