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News18
a day ago
- General
- News18
NCC cadets to undertake fresh expedition soon, peaks shortlisted: DG
New Delhi, Aug 17 (PTI) A newly constituted NCC expedition team consisting of 20 cadets, is set to embark on a mountaineering adventure post monsoon when they will attempt to scale a peak in northern India, the Corps' director general said. Two peaks have been shortlisted by the NCC — Mt Yunam (6,111 m) in Himachal Pradesh and Mt Shalang Dhura (5,678 m) in Uttarakhand. 'One of the two peaks will be selected based on weather conditions. The team has equal number of male and females cadets, and the planned mission is in line with promoting a spirit of adventure among the youth," DG of NCC, Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh told PTI. Both are basic or beginners' peak, he said. The National Cadet Corps (NCC), the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world, was raised in 1948. Earlier in May this year, an expedition team of the NCC summited Mt Everest — the world's highest peak. 'We are now looking for the next expedition. We are still to decide on a peak, but it will be either Mt Yunam located in Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh or Mt Shalang Dhura, located in Uttarakhand," Singh said. An NCC team has earlier scaled Mt Yunam but, it will be the 'first attempt" by cadets to summit Mt Shalang Dhura, he added. This will be a post-monsoon expedition, so depending on rainfall and other weather conditions, it is likely to begin around either end-September or October, he added. The NCC DG said the Corps has already put together a team for this upcoming expedition. Around fifteen days ago, nearly 150 cadets had come to Delhi after being shortlisted by their respective directorates, and from that pool, the 20 cadets were finalised, he said. The NCC has 17 directorates spread across the country, with a total sanctioned strength of 20 lakh. It has two divisions — Junior Division and Senior Division. After they join, in the first year of Senior Division, the caders are made to train at various training academies as part of different courses, and mountaineering is also part of their training. After selection for a mountaineering expedition, they get trained for 7-10 days in Uttarkashi generally, but due to natural disaster there recently, 'we are trying to do this at another place in Uttarakhand", the DG said. Lieutenant General Singh expressed pride that 2,000 NCC cadets along with 500 My Bharat volunteers were part of the team that sat in front of the Red Fort ramparts here during the 79th Independence Day celebrations, in a formation of the 'Naya Bharat' logo. The NCC DG also attended the celebrations at Red Fort on August 15, where the defining spirit was the success of Operation Sindoor — India's decisive four-day military action in May in the wake of Pahalgam attack. '75,000 NCC cadets participated in civil defence and other related activities across the country, during the four-day period when Operation Sindoor was underway," he said. The cadets helped in traffic management and crowd control. As also in hosting blood donation camps, thus contributing to nation-building which they are trained for, the DG said, adding, that they also took part in mock drills that took place around that period. On the upcoming expedition, Lt Gen Singh said, besides the 20 cadets (average age 20-21 years), at least three officers and 10-15 support staff will be part of the team. He said every year, two expeditions are planned, one pre-monsoon and another post-monsoon. For putting together an NCC expedition team for scaling Mt Everest (8,848 m), 'we take 1.5-2 years", the DG added. Mt Everest was first conquered by New Zealand's Edmund Hillary and his sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay in 1953, and has ever since fascinated climbers and mountaineers to scale the famed peak in the mighty Himalayas. NCC cadets in the past, have successfully climbed other peaks too, including Mt Kang Yatse II (6,250 m) and Mt Abi Gamin (7,335 m). PTI KND OZ OZ (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 17, 2025, 16:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
26-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
NCC embraces digital future: online enrolment and drone training unveiled
Hyderabad: Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), on Wednesday highlighted a series of new initiatives being undertaken by the NCC Headquarters in New Delhi. Addressing the media on Wednesday, Lt Gen Singh outlined plans including the online enrolment of cadets, the integration of technology into training—specifically the use of drones—the provision of dress allowances for cadets, and ongoing efforts to ensure gender balance within the corps. The DG NCC noted the high demand for NCC programmes across schools and colleges in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He also shared ambitions to expand the programme to accommodate three lakh cadets nationwide, aiming to fulfil the aspirations of young people across the country. During his two-day visit to the NCC Directorate for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which commenced on Wednesday, the Director General received comprehensive briefings from Air Commodore Narsingh Sailani, Deputy Director General of the NCC Directorate (AP & T), alongside all Group Commanders. He conducted a thorough review of enrolment and training standards and engaged directly with the cadets and staff of the 1 (Telangana) Girls Battalion NCC. The review of the AP and Telangana NCC Directorates' operations included discussions on the achievements, challenges, and future plans of their respective NCC Groups. The extensive briefing covered a range of topics, including online cadet enrolment, annual training camps, community service initiatives, logistical considerations, adventure and military training activities, and preparations for the upcoming Thal, Vayu, and Nau Sainik Camps. Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh visited the 1 Telangana Girls Battalion NCC, which operates under the NCC Group Headquarters in Secunderabad, to interact with cadets and staff. The cadets demonstrated their discipline and military bearing through an impressive Guard of Honour. The General Officer commended the performance of the NCC Directorate (AP & T) in Secunderabad, praising the cadets and staff for their dedication. He also acknowledged the significant efforts of Associate NCC Officers (ANOs), Group Commanders (GCIs), cadets, and civilian staff. During his interactions with the cadets, the Director General of NCC encouraged them to strive for excellence in all fields—whether pursuing careers in the armed forces, public service, or various roles within civil society. He urged them to 'dream big, remain disciplined, and embody the core values of the NCC: Unity and Discipline.'
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
NCC joint state delegates conference focuses on expansion and national development
Bhopal: The Joint State Delegates and Additional/Deputy Director Generals Conference of National Cadet Corps (NCC) was organised at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre on Tuesday. The Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, inaugurated the conference and was received by Lt. Gen Gurbirpal Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, DGNCC, who presented the welcome address. The conference saw participation from the Education Minister, Youth & Sports Minister, senior Ministry of Defence officials, state department representatives handling NCC matters, State NCC Chiefs, and senior DGNCC Headquarters officers. The primary focus was on expanding NCC to accommodate 3 lakh cadets, with numerous states already confirming their support. States also pledged swift approval for training infrastructure projects essential for this expansion. The DGNCC presented NCC's accomplishments and growth, along with expansion strategies. He specifically addressed the need for establishing comprehensive training and camping facilities across all states to boost cadet performance and enthusiasm. The Minister of State for Defence Seth emphasised NCC's significance in national development during his speech, noting its success in cultivating disciplined, responsible youth with leadership abilities. The expansion initiative also creates employment prospects for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) as NCC Instructors, a process already underway. The Minister commended NCC's involvement in national initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and its dedication to social welfare alongside regular training. He also recognised the NCC Mount Everest Expedition Team's achievement in summiting Mount Everest on May 18, 2025, demonstrating the courage and determination that NCC instils in youth. He called upon state govts to fulfil their commitments regarding manpower, funding, and infrastructure support for the expansion. The conference exemplifies the joint effort between central and state authorities to enhance NCC's contribution to national development and secure India's future progress.
