New Delhi: In a resounding acknowledgment of youth courage and national pride, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh felicitated the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Mountaineering Expedition Team at South Block, New Delhi, on June 12, 2025. The team, comprising five girls and five boys with an average age of just 19, made history by successfully scaling Mount Everest—the world’s highest peak—on May 18, 2025.
Recognizing the extraordinary bravery and resilience of the young cadets, Shri Rajnath Singh presented a cheque of ₹10 lakh to the team. The expedition, marked by its flawless execution and zero casualties, was led by the experienced Col Amit Bisht. It stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit and discipline ingrained in NCC cadets.
Triumph in Adversity
The cadets, who underwent rigorous physical and mental training for months, shared their awe-inspiring experiences during the felicitation ceremony. They spoke about the hostile weather conditions, extreme altitudes, and the mental fortitude required to reach the summit at 8,849 meters. The training process included acclimatization at high-altitude camps, extensive endurance drills, and survival simulations, ensuring the cadets were prepared for every contingency.
Raksha Mantri’s Tribute
Addressing the gathering, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the cadets as the “torchbearers of India’s future” and symbols of determination and patriotism. “With this historic feat, our brave cadets have proved that even the sky is not the limit for the youth of India,” he remarked. He further emphasized the holistic role of the NCC in fostering physical strength, mental resilience, and national pride among India’s youth.
He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the families of the cadets, who stood behind their children with unwavering support. Shri Rajnath Singh also congratulated the entire NCC team, instructors, and senior officials for mentoring the cadets and enabling their success under extremely challenging conditions.
A Legacy of High-Altitude Achievements
This feat marks the third successful NCC Everest expedition, following earlier summits in 2013 and 2016. The 2025 team was composed not only of 10 young cadets but also a contingent of trained officers, junior commissioned officers, instructors, and non-commissioned officers. Among them was Subedar Major Balkar Singh, who became the first Subedar Major of the Indian Army to summit Mount Everest, setting a unique benchmark in the annals of military mountaineering.
The youngest cadet in the expedition was only 16 years old, exemplifying the youthful ambition and readiness cultivated through NCC training programs.
Safety, Strategy, and Spirit
Flagged off by Raksha Mantri on April 03, 2025, the expedition was conducted in strict adherence to international mountaineering safety protocols. The entire mission was carried out with utmost planning and precision, ensuring that every team member remained safe and healthy during the climb and descent.
DG NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh and senior officers of the Ministry of Defence were present at the felicitation event, echoing national pride in the achievement.
Conclusion: A Symbol of Youth Empowerment
This landmark expedition has not only demonstrated the potential and preparedness of India’s youth but has also reinforced the pivotal role of the NCC in shaping future leaders. By conquering one of the most formidable terrains on the planet, these cadets have written a new chapter in India’s mountaineering legacy and youth empowerment initiatives.
As the nation celebrates this momentous achievement, it also underscores the belief that with discipline, training, and patriotism, India’s youth are capable of achieving the impossible.
For more details check press release on PIB website.
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