Indian Army Armoured Regiment Trekking Team Receives Grand Welcome at VGC Mandi.
Shimla:
A proud, inspiring, and intellectually enriching programme was organized today by the NCC Air Wing and Army Wing of Vallabh Government College (VGC), Mandi. As part of the event, the trekking team of the prestigious Indian Army Armoured Regiment was accorded a warm and respectful welcome on the college campus during their challenging and adventurous Mantalai Trek–2026 Expedition.
On this occasion, Major Manish and Lieutenant Neeraj Tiwari of the esteemed Armoured Regiment presented a commemorative memento to the NCC Air Wing, Mandi, and Vallabh Government College, Mandi. The prestigious memento was formally received by Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh, Associate NCC Officer of 1 Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC.
The programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh, Flight Commander and Associate NCC Officer (ANO) of the NCC Air Wing. During the occasion, Acting Principal Professor Baldev Verma and Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh presented commemorative mementoes on behalf of Vallabh Government College, Mandi, and its NCC units to the trekking team of the Indian Army’s prestigious Armoured Regiment as a gesture of appreciation and respect.
Welcoming the Army trekking team on behalf of the college fraternity, Professor Baldev Verma and Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh described the occasion as highly inspirational and educational for NCC cadets and students.
Addressing the gathering, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh stated that the cadets of the NCC Air Wing and Army Wing, Mandi, have consistently brought laurels to the college and NCC units at both national and international levels. He proudly highlighted that cadets from the college have participated in prestigious Youth Exchange Programmes in countries such as Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Russia, as well as in the India–Bhutan Camp. Furthermore, from 2018 to 2026, more than a dozen cadets from the college have participated in the prestigious National Republic Day Camp, New Delhi. In recent years, over 12 cadets have earned Presidential Commissioned Officer ranks in the Indian Air Force and Indian Army.
He further remarked that the day marked a moment of immense pride and historical significance for Vallabh Government College, Mandi, and the NCC Air Wing. Flying Officer Dr. Chaman extended a special welcome to Major Manish, Lieutenant Neeraj Tiwari, and their dedicated team comprising officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).
Speaking on the significance of the interaction, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh stated that it was a matter of immense pride for the college community to provide students and NCC cadets with an opportunity to interact directly with brave soldiers who remain ever vigilant in safeguarding the nation. During the programme, special emphasis was also laid on the exemplary courage and commendable role played by the Indian Army during “Operation Sindoor.”
He added that listening to the experiences of real-life defenders of the nation and engaging in direct interaction with them proved to be an immensely motivating and educational experience for NCC cadets.
Flying Officer Dr. Chaman further stated that while NCC cadets aspire to touch the skies, today’s interaction provided a golden opportunity to closely understand the discipline, courage, leadership, commitment, and spirit of camaraderie that define the Indian Armed Forces. He encouraged cadets to draw inspiration from the experiences of Army officers and strengthen within themselves the spirit of national service.
During the programme, the Army team engaged in an extensive interaction with students and NCC cadets on topics including trekking, military life, leadership skills, discipline, and career opportunities in the Indian Army. The inspiring session proved to be an outstanding lesson in leadership, adventure, discipline, and patriotism for the students.
On this occasion, Major Manish and Lieutenant Neeraj Tiwari provided valuable insights into the adventurous and dynamic professional life of the Indian Army. Lieutenant Neeraj Tiwari also shared detailed information regarding the various officer entry schemes available in the Indian Armed Forces. At the conclusion of the session, cadets’ questions were addressed comprehensively and satisfactorily.
More than 120 NCC cadets from both the Air Wing and Army Wing enthusiastically participated in the programme. Among those present were Acting Principal Professor Baldev Verma, Major Manish, Flight Commander and NCC Officer Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh, Lieutenant Neeraj Tiwari, Subedar Yogendra Singh, Subedar Sandeep Singh, Office Superintendent Khushal Singh Thakur, along with NCC cadets of the Air Wing and Army Wing.
At the conclusion of the programme, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh expressed heartfelt gratitude to the trekking team of the Armoured Regiment and extended his best wishes for the successful completion of the remaining Mantalai Trek Expedition, along with a safe journey and enriching experiences.
