Cadet Muskan Creates a New Milestone by Conquering the 10,800-ft Jalori Pass during a 300 km Cycling Rally.
Shimla:
Cadet Muskan of the NCC Air Force Wing, Vallabh Government College, Mandi, has brought great pride to the college and the state by successfully participating in a 300-kilometre cycling rally and conquering the formidable Jalori Pass at an altitude of 10,800 feet in the rugged Himalayan terrain.
Cadet Muskan was a proud member of the 33-member cycling rally team organised by the Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu.
Flight Commander and NCC Officer of the Air Force Wing, Vallabh Government College, Mandi, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh stated that the primary objectives of this expedition were to motivate youth from rural Himalayan regions to pursue careers in the Indian Armed Forces, promote a drug-free lifestyle, highlight the importance of physical fitness, and spread awareness about disciplined living.
Dr. Chaman further remarked that Cadet Muskan’s participation in this challenging 300-kilometre cycling rally through the difficult Himalayan terrain reflects her courage, discipline, and unwavering determination. It also showcases the high standard and excellence of NCC training imparted at Vallabh Government College, Mandi.
Organised under the joint aegis of NCC Group Headquarters Shimla and the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), the cycling expedition covered the route through Kullu, Banjar, Jalori Top, Ani, Narkanda, Theog, and the state capital Shimla. Throughout the expedition, the cadets demonstrated exceptional endurance, bravery, physical strength, and discipline—qualities essential for aspirants of the Armed Forces.
The 300-kilometre cycling rally was successfully led by Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer, Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu. During the expedition, the rally team interacted with nearly 3,400 students from 15 educational institutions, apprising them of career opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces and spreading the message of healthy living and a drug-free lifestyle.
The cycling rally was conducted from 23 November 2025 to 30 November 2025.
Flying Officer Dr. Chaman also informed that Cadet Muskan represented the Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh Directorate at the All India Air Force Camp. Earlier, she had participated in the Spiti Marathon organised by the Indian Army’s Surya Command under Operation Sadbhavana from 24 August to 29 August 2025, successfully completing the marathon despite extremely harsh and challenging environmental conditions.
On her return to the college, a High Tea was organised at Vallabh Government College, Mandi, in honour of Cadet Muskan. On this occasion, the Principal of the college, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, and Flying Officer Dr. Chaman felicitated her by presenting a memento and extended their best wishes for her bright future.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar stated that the NCC cadets of Vallabh Government College, Mandi, are consistently bringing laurels to the institution and Himachal Pradesh at national and international levels. He added that under the able leadership and guidance of Flying Officer Dr. Chaman, NCC cadets of the college have proudly represented India in Youth Exchange Programme camps held in Russia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Bhutan. Between 2018 and 2025, more than 12 NCC cadets from the college have represented the Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh Directorate at the National Republic Day Camp in New Delhi.
During the same period, more than 12 cadets from the college have received Presidential Commissions as Commissioned Officers in the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, which is a matter of immense pride for the institution.
The Flag-In Ceremony of the expedition was organised at Jutogh Cantonment, Shimla, in the august presence of Brigadier Harpreet Singh, Group Commander, NCC Group Headquarters Shimla. In his address, he congratulated the entire team for successfully completing the expedition despite sub-zero temperatures, rugged Himalayan routes, uneven terrain, and the steep ascents of the 10,800-ft Jalori Pass.
He emphasised that the NCC plays a vital role in shaping India’s youth into responsible, disciplined, and service-oriented citizens. A drug-free lifestyle, physical fitness, and mental resilience are essential for success in life as well as in the Armed Forces.
This cycling expedition left a deep and lasting inspirational impact on thousands of young minds and further strengthened the NCC’s mission of guiding Indian youth towards a disciplined, drug-free life and honourable careers in the defence services.
During the cadet felicitation ceremony held at Vallabh Government College, Mandi, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh (NCC Air Wing), Caretaker Officer of the Army Wing Dr. Balbir Singh, Dr. Kavita, along with cadets of both the NCC Air Wing and Army Wing, were especially present.
