CHANDIGARH, 25 June — In a proud moment for the region, the NCC Directorate of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh on Tuesday felicitated three National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and a Girl Cadet Instructor (GCI) for successfully scaling Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. A special ceremony was held to honour their extraordinary feat, which is being hailed as a symbol of resilience and inspiration for the nation’s youth.
The honoured mountaineers include Girl Cadet Instructor Anamika Chaudhary of No. 2 Punjab R&V Squadron, Bathinda; Under Officer Padma Namgail of No. 2 Chandigarh NCC Battalion; and Cadet Kritika Sharma of No. 1 Himachal Pradesh NCC Battalion, Solan.
“This is a shining example of what grit, determination and discipline can achieve. Their success on Everest is not just a personal milestone but a beacon of inspiration for NCC cadets across the country,” said Maj Gen JS Cheema, Additional Director General, NCC, while presenting mementoes, certificates, and cash awards to the climbers.
The journey to the 8,848.86-metre summit was no ordinary task. The cadets underwent intense mountaineering training, starting with a basic course at the prestigious Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi. This was followed by a pre-Everest expedition to Mt Abi Gamin, a challenging peak in the Garhwal Himalayas, and a preparatory climb at Mt Labuche in Nepal.
The successful Everest expedition not only tested their physical strength and technical skill but also their mental endurance in harsh, high-altitude conditions.
“Every step we took in the death zone tested our will. But the training and support we received through the NCC made it possible,” said Cadet Kritika Sharma, reflecting on her journey.
Each of the honourees represents a different region, showcasing the diversity and strength of the NCC across northern India. Their accomplishment is being viewed as a collective triumph of the national youth movement under NCC.
“Climbing Everest was my dream, but doing it as part of the NCC makes it even more meaningful,” said GCI Anamika Chaudhary. “It’s not just a personal achievement; it’s a message to every girl that no summit is too high.”
Under Officer Padma Namgail also spoke at the event, thanking the Directorate and mentors for their continuous guidance and encouragement. “It was a journey of struggle and strength, but one that made me a better leader and person,” she said.
The NCC has been actively involved in high-altitude expeditions for years, aiming to instill leadership, adventure spirit and national pride in young cadets. The Directorate said this latest achievement adds another chapter to its legacy of producing courageous youth leaders.
“The Everest success reflects the core values of the NCC — unity, discipline, and nation-first spirit,” Maj Gen Cheema said. “We hope this motivates more cadets to take on challenges that push their limits.”
The felicitation ceremony concluded with applause from NCC officials, cadets, and guests as the mountaineers stood tall—much like the peak they conquered. Their story, carved in snow and stone on the roof of the world, now becomes part of the NCC’s living legacy.
