How Did Defence Minister Singh Celebrate the NCC Cadets' Historic Everest Achievement?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ten NCC cadets successfully summited Mount Everest.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised their courage and discipline.
- The team included five girls and five boys.
- The expedition took place under extreme weather conditions.
- This is NCC's third successful Everest expedition.
New Delhi, June 12 (NationPress) In a moving event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday honored a team of 10 National Cadet Corps (NCC) members, comprising five girls and five boys, who triumphantly conquered Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, on May 18, 2025.
At the ceremony held at South Block, New Delhi, the cadets recounted their expedition experiences, highlighting their rigorous training, detailed planning, and the obstacles they faced.
The Defence Minister praised the team for demonstrating remarkable courage, discipline, resilience, and composure throughout their journey.
The cadets received a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh for their remarkable achievement under challenging conditions. Led by Colonel Amit Bisht, the young mountaineers completed their expedition without sustaining any injuries, despite battling extreme weather and high-altitude hurdles.
Describing the cadets as a source of motivation for the youth, Defence Minister Singh remarked that "this expedition sends a powerful message that even the world's highest peak is not beyond the reach of our nation's young people."
He expressed confidence that the cadets would tackle future challenges with the same bravery and determination they exhibited while summiting Mount Everest.
Additionally, the Defence Minister commended the NCC for cultivating a new generation of physically strong, mentally resilient, and socially responsible citizens. He also acknowledged the families of the cadets for their unwavering support during this journey. Among the dignitaries present was DG NCC Lt-Gen Gurbirpal Singh.
It is significant to mention that this expedition marks the NCC's third successful summit of Everest, following previous successes in 2013 and 2016. The team was composed of 10 cadets along with a group of officers, junior commissioned officers, instructors, and non-commissioned officers.
Notably, the team included Subedar Major Balkar Singh, the first Subedar Major of the Indian Army to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and the youngest cadet was just 16 years old.