New Delhi: 528 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets are set to embark on a 1,200-kilometer sailing expedition along the Ganges and Hooghly rivers on 21 October. This maiden initiative, themed ‘Bharatiya Nadiya — Sanskritiyon ki Janani,’ will culminate in Kolkata on 20 December 20, and is a flagship event leading up to the NCC Republic Day Camp 2025, a PIB release stated.
The expedition aims to celebrate India’s maritime heritage and inspire youth towards adventure and service. Cadets representing all State Directorates will participate in this six-phase event, accompanied by nearly 40 Associate NCC Officers.
There are six phases to the journey, the first being Kanpur to Prayagraj covering a distance of 260 kilometers. Second, Prayagraj to Varanasi with a distance of 205 kilometers. From there, 150 kilometers each to Buxar and to Patna. The cadets will then lead to Farakka which is 230 kilometers from Patna and end at Kolkata.
Cadets will interact with local NCC groups and support the ‘Swachh Bharat’ initiative by cleaning riverbanks and reducing plastic waste during the journey. They will also perform ‘Nukkad Nataks’ to promote India’s cultural traditions and raise awareness about environmental conservation.