NCC Cadets Embark on 3,200 km Cycle Expedition to Kargil to Honor Fallen Heroes

Hyderabad: NCC cadets Krishnan A. of Ramaiah College and Peddi Sai Kaushik of St Joseph's University, both belonging to the I Karnataka Air Squadron in Bengaluru, are on a cycle expedition to Kargil, a distance fo 3,200 km, to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the Kargil war.

The expedition, 'Mission Vijay Sagar,' is aimed at spreading awareness among youngsters and encourage them to join the armed forces and serve the nation. It will culminate at the Kargil War Memorial on July 26, Vijay Divas.

What inspired the duo to take up this expedition was ’Vijayant at Kargil: The Biography of a War Hero,’ the story of Captain Vijayant Thapar, who laid down his life at the age of 22. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.

After reading the story, Krishnan tried to ask his family members, friends and several others if they knew about the war hero, but none of them did.

“We even asked about five war heroes but no one had an answer. When we asked about cricketers, footballers, Bollywood actors, the response was very quick. This set us thinking," said the duo who were in Hyderabad for two days, reaching out to NCC battalions.

Krishnan who dreams to clear the Combined Defence Services examination and join the armed forces says he initially did not get permission from the college due to safety reasons. Later they not only allowed him but also sponsored his expedition.

"My college, faculty especially Flying Officer Dr Naveen Kumar are supporting and motivating us," said Krishnan.

Extreme hot weather , water change and different food styles posed challenge initially, but their desire to complete the mission gave them a boost. "This is nothing compared to the sacrifice made by the heroes of the armed forces and our mission is to ensure that present day youth also knows them and their sacrifices for our safety," the duo added.