Port Blair, 19 August 2024 – Andaman and Nicobar Command successfully concluded a
challenging biking and trekking expedition to Saddle Peak which is the largest peak in the A&N
Islands, covering over 700 kilometers from Port Blair and back.
This eight-day expedition, lasting from 10th to 17th August 2024, aimed to promote
patriotism, engage with the local youth, and advocate for environmental preservation, aligning
with national initiatives such as ‘Har Ghar Tiranga,’ ‘Youth Awareness,’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke
Naam.’
The expedition was flagged off by Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, CINCAN,
on 10th August 2024. 29 bikers from all four components of the Andaman and Nicobar
Command participated in the event. More than just a physical challenge, the expedition was
mission focused on community engagement and national pride.
The expedition commenced with a bike rally through Port Blair, where the team
interacted with locals including over 250 students from Pondicherry University and NCC, to
inspire them to join the armed forces. The team further underscored their commitment to
environmental sustainability by planting tree saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’
initiative.
The journey proceeded with a 166-kilometer ride to Nimbutala village in Rangat, where
the local community warmly welcomed the team. The bikers planted over 100 saplings and
organized a friendly volleyball match with the village youth, promoting unity and patriotism. They
also addressed approximately 350 students at Government Senior Secondary School, Rangat,
encouraging them to explore opportunities in the armed forces.
Continuing through Mayabunder and Diglipur, the bikers covered an additional 168
kilometers. Along the way, they engaged with local police, village leaders, and the public,
distributing flags and pamphlets to emphasize the importance of national solidarity. The team
also visited Shyam Nagar, the village adopted by Army component, interacted with 250 villagers
and students and planted over 100 more saplings, further advancing their environmental
mission.
The expedition reached its destination after a rigorous four-hour trek on 15 August
2024, where the team hoisted the National Flag atop Saddle Peak, the highest point in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marking the 78th Independence Day and leaving the team with
a deep sense of accomplishment and pride.
The team returned to Port Blair on 17 August 2024, completing their mission with a
renewed sense of unity and national pride. Their outreach to over 1,000 youths, the planting of
over 500 saplings and their engagement with over 2,500 villagers left a lasting impression,
reinforcing the values of patriotism, youth awareness and environmental conservation in the
Andaman Islands.
The successful expedition was received at Port Blair on 19th August 2024 by Rear
Admiral Biplab Hota, Vishisht Seva Medal, Officiating Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and
Nicobar Command, who complimented the entire team and organizers for fostering the spirit of
patriotism and environmental stewardship among the local populace.
