New Delhi, April 3 (HS): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off expeditions to Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga from South Block in New Delhi on Thursday. In this campaign, 24 climbers from the Indian Army will scale Mount Everest alongside 10 NCC cadets. Similarly, a joint team of the Indian Army and the Nepalese Army has set off to climb Mount Kanchenjunga.

The Indian Army's Mount Everest expedition includes 34 climbers, among which are 10 NCC cadets, who will follow the traditional South Col route under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Joshi. This team will climb Mount Everest (8,848 meters) and hoist the tricolor flag. Likewise, the objective of the joint India-Nepal expedition is to climb Mount Kanchenjunga, which includes 12 climbers from the Indian Army and six from the Nepalese Army. The team for Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters) will be led by Colonel Sarfaraz Singh of the Indian Army.

The joint NCC expedition to Mount Everest will be led by Colonel Amit Bisht. This group includes five female cadets, five male cadets, four officers, and 11 permanent instructors. This expedition, which is set to begin this month, aims to reach their respective summits by May. During a conversation with the climbers, the Defence Minister appreciated their courage, dedication, and determination. He expressed confidence that the youth involved in this campaign will not only inspire other young individuals but also lead India in high-altitude mountaineering.

These campaigns are designed to showcase the extraordinary skills and indomitable spirit of the armed forces. Additionally, new benchmarks have been set in the field of high-altitude mountaineering. It is hoped that these initiatives will inspire future generations to pursue their dreams with courage, determination,

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar