Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, felicitated and interacted with Team Aparajita after 20 NCC girl cadets successfully completed a challenging 250-km trek across Parang La at an altitude of 18,370 feet.
The expedition, titled APARAJITA 2026, brought together NCC girl cadets for a demanding high-altitude trekking challenge that tested their physical endurance, mental resilience and ability to operate as a team in difficult terrain.
Led by women officers from the three Services, the expedition provided the cadets with an opportunity to undertake a demanding adventure activity while developing qualities of courage, determination and teamwork.
During his interaction with the cadets, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan congratulated Team Aparajita on completing the expedition. His engagement with the participants also recognised their perseverance and commitment in successfully completing the 250-km route across Parang La.
The high-altitude expedition required the cadets to negotiate challenging mountain terrain while operating at elevations reaching 18,370 feet. Such an environment places significant demands on endurance, preparation and teamwork, making successful completion an important achievement for the participants.
The leadership of women officers from the three Services added an inter-services dimension to the expedition. Their involvement provided the cadets with an opportunity to learn from serving women officers while reinforcing the values of leadership, discipline and collective effort.
The expedition also highlighted the role of adventure activities in the training and development of NCC cadets. High-altitude trekking provides participants with opportunities to develop resilience and confidence while learning to work together in demanding conditions.
Team Aparajita’s successful completion of the trek reflects the determination of the 20 participating cadets and their ability to work collectively throughout the expedition. The experience also exposed them to the challenges associated with high-altitude environments and reinforced the importance of preparation and mutual support.
The expedition forms part of the wider emphasis on encouraging young women to participate in challenging activities and develop leadership qualities. The participation of NCC girl cadets in such demanding expeditions provides a platform for them to test themselves beyond conventional training environments.
The spirit displayed by the cadets during APARAJITA 2026 was described in terms of courage, resilience, teamwork and determination, reflecting the broader theme of Nari Shakti.
The interaction with the Chief of the Naval Staff marked the culmination of the expedition on a note of recognition for the cadets’ achievement. His felicitation acknowledged their successful completion of one of the most demanding high-altitude trekking challenges undertaken as part of the initiative.
For the NCC, such expeditions combine adventure, leadership development and exposure to challenging environments. They also provide young cadets with experiences that can strengthen confidence, discipline and the ability to function effectively as part of a team.
The successful Parang La crossing by Team Aparajita 2026 thus stands as a demonstration of the endurance and determination of the 20 NCC girl cadets, while highlighting the contribution of women officers from the three Services in guiding and leading the expedition.
The expedition’s message was clear: challenges can become opportunities for growth when approached with preparation, teamwork and determination. For Team Aparajita, the 250-km journey across Parang La represents both a demanding physical achievement and an experience in leadership and resilience.
