NCC Air Wing Cadet Kajal of Vallabh Government College, Mandi, Hoists the Tricolour and NCC Flag Atop 18,370-Ft-High Parangla Peak.
Shimla:
Kajal, a promising NCC Air Wing Cadet of Vallabh Government College, Mandi, has brought immense pride to the college, Himachal Pradesh and the NCC by successfully hoisting the National Flag and the NCC Flag atop Parangla Peak at an altitude of 18,370 feet amid extremely challenging high-altitude and rugged Himalayan conditions.
Cadet Kajal was selected for the highly challenging and prestigious All-India ‘Aparajita–Parangla Trek-2026’ expedition. She was the only cadet selected from Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, to participate in this national-level expedition.
President of India Felicitates the Expedition Team at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Following the historic success of the ‘Aparajita–Parangla Trek-2026’, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, warmly welcomed the entire expedition team at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. She appreciated the cadets for their courage, determination and spirit of adventure and encouraged them for their remarkable achievement. A commemorative group photograph was also taken with the Hon’ble President on the occasion.
It is noteworthy that the prestigious national adventure expedition was officially flagged off from New Delhi by the Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh.
A Thrilling and Challenging 250-Kilometre Journey
The expedition was conducted from 18 August to 25 September 2026, with 20 specially selected women NCC cadets from across the country participating in its final phase. During the expedition, the cadets successfully covered approximately 250 kilometres of challenging high-altitude Himalayan terrain.
Throughout the journey, the cadets faced formidable challenges, including extreme altitude, low oxygen levels, sub-zero temperatures, snow-covered and rocky terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Expedition Route
The expedition commenced from Kafnu in Himachal Pradesh, followed by Muling, Kara, Pustirang, Bhaba Pin Pass, Baldar, Mudh, Kaza, Kibber, Dumla, Thaltak and Bongrojan, before reaching Parangla Pass.
The team then proceeded through Dak Karjong, Norbu Sumdo, Kyangdam and Karzok, eventually reaching Leh successfully.
Major Achievement – 17 September 2026
The most thrilling and defining moment of the expedition came on 17 September 2026, when the team departed from Bongrojan and attained the maximum altitude of 18,370 feet, successfully reaching Parangla Peak, where Cadet Kajal and the expedition team proudly hoisted the Tricolour and the NCC Flag.
Efficient Leadership
The expedition was led by Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer, Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, while Lieutenant Colonel Sonam Pandey served as the Team Leader.
An Inspiration for Youth from Rural and Mountainous Areas: Flying Officer Dr. Chaman
Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh, Flight Commander and NCC Officer, NCC Air Force Wing, Mandi, expressed immense happiness over Cadet Kajal’s historic achievement and extended his heartfelt congratulations to her.
He said “Cadet Kajal’s selection for this prestigious expedition is a testament to her hard work, discipline, physical fitness and indomitable courage. Hoisting the Tricolour at an altitude of 18,370 feet is a moment of immense pride for all of us. Her achievement demonstrates that talented youth from the rural and mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh can earn recognition at the national level through determination, dedication and perseverance. The NCC motto, ‘Unity and Discipline’, is truly exemplified through such challenging and adventurous expeditions.”
Flying Officer Dr. Chaman further stated that the cadets of the college have consistently excelled in adventure activities. Recently, Cadet Muskan and Cadet Hansraj successfully completed the mountaineering expedition to Diyodibba Peak in the Pir Panjal range.
He also informed that, between 2018 and 2025, more than 15 cadets of the college have represented India at the National Republic Day Camp and in International Youth Exchange Programmes in countries including Russia, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Kazakhstan.
Grand Felicitation of Cadet Kajal at the College
On her arrival at Vallabh Government College, Mandi, Cadet Kajal received a warm and grand welcome from Principal Dr. Sanjeev Kumar and NCC officials.
On the occasion, Principal Dr. Sanjeev Kumar and Flying Officer Dr. Chaman felicitated Cadet Kajal by presenting her with mementoes symbolising the National Flag and the NCC Flag.
Principal Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh, Lieutenant Dr. Balveer Singh and Caretaker Officer Dr. Kavita extended their best wishes to Cadet Kajal for a bright and successful future.
Principal Dr. Sanjeev Kumar said “Cadet Kajal’s achievement is a matter of immense pride for the entire college fraternity. The college is committed to providing its students with meaningful opportunities not only for academic excellence but also for personality development, adventure activities and dedicated service to the nation. With the able guidance of Flying Officer Dr. Chaman and the rigorous training provided through the NCC, more than 12 of our cadets have joined the Indian Army as ‘Lieutenants’ and the Indian Air Force as ‘Flying Officers’ and are serving the nation with distinction.”
