All India Trekking Expedition for NCC girls
Udhagamandalam: The Annual All India Trekking Expedition for NCC girls got underway at the Cordite Factory Higher Secondary School in Aruvankadu near here on Tuesday.The Assistant General Manager, Cordite Factory S.Narasimhan, inaugurated the trek, which will bring together a large number of cadets from all over the country, in a spirit of national integration and cooperation for common goals.He flagged off the first batch of trekkers, comprising 122 cadets and three lady NCC officers from Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.According to the NCC Group Commander, Coimbatore, Colonel Georgy Joseph 1,000 cadets from various parts of India are participating in the expedition. They have been divided into batches ranging between 120 and 150.Stating that the participants would trek through Ketti, Melur Hossaiatty, Yedakkadu, Nanjanad and Udhagamandalam, he said that they would cover a distance of about 136 kilometres in the hilly terrain for which the region is well known throughout the country.The objective of the expedition was to promote national integration and a spirit of adventure. It would also build self-confidence and enhance awareness about the environment, flora and fauna.
The cadets would become familiar with the culture of various places.It will not be a time for trekking alone, for the authorities have organised visits to tea factories, the Radio Astronomy Centre, the Defence Services Staff College, the Madras Regimental Centre and the Tribal Research Centre. These activities would form part of the expedition and broaden the outlook of participants.
