NCC cadets sailing expedition from Farakka to Kolkata.

Suvendu Das

A Sailing Expedition has been undertaken by the Naval cadets of the West Bengal Dte from Farakka to Kolkata as part of Most Enterprising Naval Unit competition, conducted by DGNCC on a yearly basis. The expedition is conducted as a dynamic camp with the camp site shifting from one location to another on a regular basis. The food for the cadets during the expedition was cooked ashore as well as afloat.

The Expedition was flagged off by the Group Commander from Farakka on 05 Nov 25 and terminating at Kolkata on 19 Nov 25, covering a distance of 410 kms. The expedition was flagged in by Maj Gen APS Chahal, SM ADG. West Bengal & Sikkim Dte at Man of War jetty, Kolkata. A total of 60 cadets took part in the expedition with a mixture of boys and girls. The cadets whilst sailing through the Hooghly undertook a number of Social Service and Community development activities at various locations such as Mayapur, Berhampore, Farakka and Chinsurah. The activities undertaken comprised of coastal cleaning, say no to plastic and anti-pollution drive, Swachata Abhiyaan, plantation drive etc. The cadets also got an opportunity to interact with the local residents to highlight the role and achievements of NCC as well as visit places of significance like Hazarduari Place, NTPC, Mayapur ISKCON temple etc.

The teams covered the distance by sailing and pulling onboard three DK Whalers, supported by safety boats. The expedition halted at a number of places enroute namely Berhampore, Chinsurah, Kalna, Katwa and Mayapur to undertake change of crew as well as to carry out repairs and maintenance of the boats.