Chandigarh, June 23 – In a proud and inspirational moment, NCC Group Headquarters, Chandigarh, held a grand felicitation ceremony to honor three courageous cadets who successfully scaled Mount Everest on May 18, 2025. The cadets—Under Officer Padma Namgail of 2 Chandigarh Battalion NCC, Cadet Kritika Sharma of 1 Himachal Pradesh Battalion NCC, and Girl Cadet Instructor (GCI) Anamika Chaudhary of 2 R&V Punjab Squadron NCC—have become national icons by conquering the world’s highest peak.
A Historic Feat Honored in Chandigarh
The event was attended by top-ranking NCC officials including Maj Gen J.S. Cheema, Additional Director General, NCC Directorate Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh & Chandigarh, and Brigadier Vikram Singh Chauhan, YSM, Group Commander, NCC Group Chandigarh. The heroic cadets were awarded mementoes, certificates, and cash rewards as a token of appreciation for their remarkable courage, endurance, and determination.
From Training to Triumph: Their Everest Journey
The trio’s mountaineering journey began months earlier, starting with a Pre-Everest Expedition to Mt. Abi Gamin, followed by:
- Basic Mountaineering Course at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM)
- Winter Training at Siachen Glacier
- Advanced climb of Mt. Labuche in Nepal
These rigorous training phases tested their mental and physical resilience, preparing them for the final summit attempt.
Chosen Among the Best: All-India NCC Everest Team
The cadets were handpicked through an all-India competitive selection process for the elite 10-member NCC Senior Division/Wing Everest Expedition Team. Their successful ascent, completed between April 3 and May 18, marks a historic achievement for NCC India, showcasing what young leaders can accomplish with discipline and determination.
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Recognized Nationally by Top Defence Officials
Their exceptional achievement was also acknowledged in a special ceremony in New Delhi, attended by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, who personally lauded the cadets for their courage and patriotic spirit.
Inspiration for the Youth of India
Speaking at the Chandigarh ceremony, NCC officials highlighted how these cadets represent the true spirit of the National Cadet Corps—fearless, focused, and committed. Their victory is not just personal—it inspires lakhs of NCC cadets and the youth of India to aim high and believe in their dreams.
“Scaling Everest is not just a physical feat—it’s a symbol of what Indian youth can achieve with the right mindset and training,” said Maj Gen J.S. Cheema during the event.
