Territorial Army’s 5,500 km Cycling Expedition for Platinum Jubilee Flagged Off by Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan
The Territorial Army (TA) has embarked on a historic 5,500 km cycling expedition to celebrate its Platinum Jubilee. The event was flagged off by Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN).
Route and Journey
The expedition began at Siachen Base Camp, the highest battlefield in the world, on July 30, 2024, and will conclude at Indira Point, Great Nicobar Islands. The team cycled through Brichgunj, Corbyn’s Cove, Marina Park Flag Point, Cellular Jail, Aberdeen Bazaar, VIP Road, School Line, Bathu Basti, and finally returned to Brichgunj Military Station.
Team and Challenges
The team includes two officers, four junior commissioned officers, and 26 other ranks from various TA battalions. They faced rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions, showcasing their physical fitness and mental resilience.
Interactions and Impact
During their journey, the team interacted with senior defense officers, NCC cadets, local populations, tourists, and residents of Seva Niketan. They emphasized the importance of national pride, cultural integration, sustainable environmental practices, physical fitness, and patriotism.
Future Plans
The expedition will continue to Car Nicobar and Camorta, ultimately culminating at Indira Point in the Great Nicobar Islands.
Doubts Revealed
Territorial Army -: The Territorial Army is a part-time volunteer force in India that supports the regular army. It consists of people who have regular jobs but also serve in the army when needed.
5,500 km -: 5,500 km is a very long distance, about the same as traveling from Delhi to Chennai and back twice. It shows how far the cyclists will travel.
Cycling Expedition -: A cycling expedition is a long journey made on bicycles. In this case, the soldiers are riding their bikes over a very long distance to celebrate and promote important values.
Platinum Jubilee -: A Platinum Jubilee marks 75 years of an event. Here, it means the Territorial Army is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Flagged Off -: Flagged off means to start an event or journey officially. Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan started the cycling expedition by waving a flag.
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan -: Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan is a high-ranking officer in the Indian Air Force. He has an important job and was chosen to start the cycling expedition.
Siachen Base Camp -: Siachen Base Camp is a military base in the Himalayas, known for being one of the highest and coldest places where soldiers are stationed.
Indira Point -: Indira Point is the southernmost tip of India, located in the Great Nicobar Islands. It is very far from the starting point of the expedition.
Great Nicobar Islands -: The Great Nicobar Islands are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. They are known for their beautiful nature and are far from mainland India.
National Pride -: National pride means feeling proud of your country. The cyclists want to make people feel proud of India.
Cultural Integration -: Cultural integration means bringing different cultures together. The cyclists are meeting people from different parts of India to promote unity.
Environmental Awareness -: Environmental awareness means understanding the importance of protecting nature. The cyclists are spreading the message to take care of the environment.
Physical Fitness -: Physical fitness means being healthy and strong. The cyclists are showing that staying active and exercising is important.
Patriotism -: Patriotism means loving and being loyal to your country. The cyclists are encouraging people to love and support India.
Unity -: Unity means being together and supporting each other. The cyclists want to show that people from different parts of India can come together as one.