STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The NCC Directorate Shillong is all set to embark on a pioneering project to conduct the first-ever sailing expedition in the entire Northeast named Lachit-I.
The sailing expedition will cover over 200-kilometer distance to be flagged off at Biswanath Chariali on October 16 and flagged in at Pandu Port, Guwahati on October 25. The expedition will be presided over by the Chief Minister of Assam.
The expedition will be carried out at the Brahmaputra, using the expertise available with the military personnel of NCC, three sturdy whaler sailing boats of the Naval NCC units and support from the Army Eastern Command as well as the government of Assam with the aim to rekindle the memories of the epic bravery of the sons of the soil of Assam, while fostering a spirit of adventure amongst the youth.
Addressing the media at the Guwahati Press Club on Friday, additional director general Bipin Bakshi, NCC North East Region said, “The same water where the famous battle of Saraighat was fought in 1671 has been selected for this expedition. The cadets have trained hard to face the possible challenges, because it is necessary to overcome challenges, as we always need to step forward.”
Bakshi also added there are a total of 80 participants and the expedition is expected to bring forth the rich heritage and to remind the present generation of the velour displayed by the great Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and the first lady freedom fighter to be martyred, Kanaklata Barua, hence the NCC volunteers have resolved to overcome all odds to become Brahmaputra tamers. Besides fostering a spirit of adventure among the youth of Assam, the expedition also aims at generating healthy competitive spirit and to instill a sense of discipline, leadership and comradeship among the NCC Cadets. The expedition is intended to make an annual feature, hereafter. The song Moha Bahu Brahmaputra by Bharatratna Bhupen Hazarika has been chosen as the official song for this expedition in order to keep the spirits of the participating cadets high. To make the expedition more powerful, the cadets in collaboration with the Principal Conservator of Forest, Assam will also spread awareness about the dangers to Brahmaputra and its marine life and role of the riverine population in protecting it.