Guwahati, Oct 25 (HS): The First ever Brahmaputra Sailing Expedition culminated successfully today with the Flagging In ceremony graced by the Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal at the Pandu Port, Guwahati. 60 Cadets of Assam braved the waters of the mighty Brahmaputra over a grueling journey of 220 km from Biswanath Charali to Guwahati using three whaler boats of the NCC Naval Units with safety and support vessels provided by the Indian Army Eastern Command.
During the course of this historic journey the cadets negotiated over the same waters where the valiant general of the Ahom Kingdom, Lachit Borphukan had defeated the invading Mughal Navy in 1671. The expedition touched riverine areas of Tezpur, Silghat, Singri, Kathali, Palaguri, Titimara, Kurua and Amingaon and utilized this expedition to spread social awareness message to the local populace. This not only helped them to reach out these brothers and sisters but also gave them an opportunity to understand the way of life in these remote and difficult areas.
At the end of these ten days it can convincingly be said that the aim of this expedition was fully achieved. Despite the arduous journey at the end of the expedition, the heavily tanned cadets had smiles and sparkle in their eyes, which was an indicator to the satisfaction of the hard work towards a task well done. As a prelude to the expedition, all the sixty cadets selected from various colleges had undergone extensive preparation that include rigorous seamanship training along with swimming, rescue & safety drills, first aid and maritime communication during the conditioning camps in Guwahati and Sibsagar.
The Flagging In ceremony was equally impressive, which was graced by numerous VIPs including civilian and armed forces officials. The expedition flag was handed over to the CM Sonowal by the team, signifying the successful culmination of Lachit-1. The NCC cadets thereafter enthralled the audience by enacting the Battle of Saraighat, display by the NCC Band and their skills in aeromodelling. The other highlight of the event was the presence of Cdr (IN) Wishwajit Malshe, a serving Naval officer who was the first recipient of the ‘Lachit Borphukan Medal’ after its introduction, during his passing out parade at NDA, Kadakwasla.
The CM, complimented the NCC Officers, staff and cadets on this unique achievement and praised the concept of remembering the greats of Assam and in turn paying rich tribute to them that through this expedition, thereby giving a larger meaning.
