NCC’s First-Ever Sailing Expedition from Kanpur to Kolkata
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is launching its inaugural special sailing expedition as a lead-up to the Republic Day Camp 2025. This event will see 528 Naval Wing cadets from all over India sailing approximately 1,200 kilometers along the Ganges and Hooghly rivers, passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. The Ministry of Defence announced that the expedition, themed ‘Bharatiya Nadiya – Sanskritiyon ki Janani,’ will start in Kanpur on October 21, 2024, and end in Kolkata on December 20, 2024.
The expedition aims to celebrate India’s maritime heritage and inspire young people towards adventure and service in uniform. Cadets from all State Directorates will participate in this six-phase journey, accompanied by nearly 40 Associate NCC Officers. The phases include 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).
Throughout the expedition, cadets will engage with local NCC groups and support the ‘Swachh Bharat’ initiative by cleaning riverbanks and reducing plastic waste. They will also perform ‘Nukkad Nataks’ to promote India’s cultural heritage and raise awareness about environmental conservation.
Doubts Revealed
NCC -: NCC stands for National Cadet Corps. It is a youth organization in India that trains young people in military and leadership skills.
Sailing Expedition -: A sailing expedition is a journey or trip made using boats that are powered by sails. In this case, it involves traveling a long distance on rivers.
Kanpur -: Kanpur is a large city in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its industries and educational institutions.
Kolkata -: Kolkata is a major city in eastern India, in the state of West Bengal. It is famous for its cultural heritage and historical significance.
Ganges and Hooghly rivers -: The Ganges is a major river in India, considered sacred by many. The Hooghly is a distributary of the Ganges, flowing through West Bengal.
Bharatiya Nadiya – Sanskritiyon ki Janani -: This is a Hindi phrase meaning ‘Indian Rivers – Mothers of Cultures.’ It highlights the importance of rivers in shaping cultures and traditions in India.
Maritime traditions -: Maritime traditions refer to the customs and practices related to the sea and navigation. India has a rich history of sea trade and exploration.
Environmental activities -: These are activities aimed at protecting the environment, like cleaning up rivers or planting trees, to make the Earth a better place.
Cultural performances -: Cultural performances are shows or acts that display traditional music, dance, or drama, reflecting the heritage of a community or region.