NCC Cadets To Embark First Ever Historic Sailing Expedition In Run-Up To Republic Day

New Delhi: Over 500 NCC cadets from across India are poised to embark on a unique sailing expedition, covering nearly 1,200 km through the Ganga and Hooghly rivers as they journey through three states, an official statement said on Sunday. 

The expedition, themed "Bharatiya Nadiya - Sanskritiyon ki Janani," will be launched from Kanpur and involves 528 cadets from the naval wing of the National Cadet Corps, according to the defense ministry on Sunday. 

NCC Set To Embark First Ever Special Sailing Expedition

This marks NCC's inaugural special sailing expedition, serving as a flagship event leading up to the Republic Day Camp 2025. The journey will traverse through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar , concluding in Kolkata, West Bengal, on December 20.

"The aim of this pioneering expedition is to celebrate India's rich maritime traditions while inspiring the youth towards adventure and a life of service in uniform," Defence ministry said. 

Sailing Expedition To Cover 3 States  

The six-phase expedition includes the following segments: 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 all state directorates, will be supported by approximately 40 Associate NCC Officers.

"The expedition will involve 528 naval wing cadets from across India, sailing approximately 1,200 kms along the Ganges and Hooghly rivers through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar , and West Bengal," the Defence Ministry said.

Throughout the journey, the cadets will interact with local NCC groups and support the 'Swachh Bharat' initiative by cleaning riverbanks and collecting plastic waste. 

“They will also perform 'nukkad natak' to showcase India's rich cultural heritage and raise awareness about environmental conservation,” ministry said.