Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday initiated a significant high-altitude expedition involving 28 National Cadet Corps (NCC) girl cadets, who will traverse approximately 250 kilometers over 30 days through the formidable Himalayan terrain. The arduous journey, led by three women military officers representing the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, aims to promote ‘Nari Shakti,’ leadership, self-confidence, endurance, and national integration among the youth.
The expedition, named ‘Aparajita,’ will navigate the challenging Parang La Pass, a route renowned for its difficulty and connecting Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley with the Changthang region of Ladakh. This high-altitude trek, reaching elevations of 5,578 meters (18,300 feet), is considered one of India‘s most demanding trekking trails, encompassing diverse landscapes such as high-altitude deserts, glaciers, snowfields, and river valleys. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the route includes key locations like Kibber, Dumla, Thaltak, Bongrojen, Parang La Pass, Dak Karzong, Norbu Sumdo, Kiangdom, and Korzok, presenting a comprehensive test of the cadets’ physical and mental fortitude.
During the flagging-off ceremony in Delhi, Rajnath Singh lauded the participation of the young cadets in such a demanding expedition, characterizing it as a powerful demonstration of the courage, determination, and evolving capabilities of women in India. He extended his best wishes for a safe and successful trek, emphasizing the vital role such expeditions play in cultivating leadership qualities, mental resilience, discipline, and self-confidence among participants. The Defence Minister commended the selected cadets for their rigorous physical and mental preparation, highlighting that the trek would serve as a profound life lesson in resilience, confidence, and self-discovery, enabling them to return with not only memorable experiences but also a deeper understanding of their inner strength.
The expedition has been meticulously planned in two phases. A preparatory and acclimatization trek was conducted earlier in the Bhaba-Pin Valley sector, after which the final team of NCC girl cadets was selected based on merit. The overarching objective of this initiative, as stated by the defence ministry, is to champion the spirit of ‘Nari Shakti’ and instill essential life skills in the young women. The average age of the 28 participating cadets is 19, with the youngest being a remarkable 16-and-a-half years old, underscoring the inclusive and aspirational nature of the program.
Singh urged the expedition team to prioritize safety, environmental protection, and respectful interaction with local communities throughout their journey. He specifically advised them to strictly adhere to the guidance of their instructors, avoid unnecessary risks, and adopt a zero-waste approach to preserve the delicate Himalayan ecosystem. Furthermore, he encouraged them to engage respectfully with local populations, learn about their culture and traditions, and draw wisdom from their experiences. The minister expressed his belief that the expedition would become a defining milestone in their lives, inspiring them to remain ‘Aparajita’—invincible—at every stage of life.
The Defence Minister also acknowledged the growing achievements of NCC cadets in various adventure activities across land, water, and air, commending the girl cadets for their proactive leadership and embodiment of ‘Nari Shakti.’ He further highlighted the significance of the pan-India participation, noting that the diverse languages, cultures, and backgrounds of the cadets, united by a common mission, perfectly exemplify the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India). The event was attended by the Director General, NCC, Lt Gen Virendra Vats, and other senior officials from the NCC and the Ministry of Defence.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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