Under the banner "Indian Rivers, Mother of Sanskrit," the Special Sailing Expedition (SSE) of 2024 is underway, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and the invaluable significance of its rivers. Organized by the Headquarters Directorate General National Cadet Corps (HQ DGNCC), this ambitious campaign, part of the Republic Day Celebrations (RDC) 2025, includes riverine and coastal expeditions, drawing cadets from across the nation.
Highlighting safety and the importance of resource preservation, he urged cadets to spread awareness on water conservation, celebrating India’s rivers as a cradle of ancient civilization and a significant source of sustenance.
The first milestone of this phase is expected to wrap up in Varanasi by November 11, with cadets—both male and female—participating equally. Across both river banks, 17 NCC directorates will be deployed for the SSE, ensuring broad involvement. The UP Directorate alone has contributed 72 cadets to the rowing initiative, with 144 cadets and staff from seven directorates engaged in the journey from Kanpur to Buxar.
Cultural Programs Enrich the Expedition
Alongside the expedition, cultural performances by the cadets have brought traditional art forms to life, reflecting India's vibrant diversity. A lively Bhangra performance by the NCC cadets from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh captivated attendees, highlighting the strength and energy embedded in India's folk traditions. This performance was part of a well-researched program that celebrated the living cultural heritage of the regions and illustrated how rivers have nurtured this shared cultural identity.
The cultural showcase continued with a semi-classical dance performance, which resonated with the idea that India's art forms have withstood the test of time and transcended barriers of language and region. This was followed by the NCC Rajasthan Group's spirited Ghoomar dance at the Boat Club Greens, accompanied by an upbeat medley of Rajasthani folk songs, concluding the evening with a round of applause from the audience.
As the SSE 2024 moves forward, it serves as a reminder of India's rich cultural and natural heritage, with the NCC cadets carrying forward the message of sustainability and unity inspired by the lifeblood of India's rivers. With its culmination scheduled for January 2025, this grand expedition seeks to inspire the nation, reminding all Indians of the value and importance of their rivers, while embodying a spirit of camaraderie and respect for tradition.
This expedition highlights how India's rivers have not only shaped landscapes but also cultural identities, making SSE 2024 a truly remarkable campaign intertwining environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and the essence of national pride.
Phase Two Begins with Enthusiasm from Prayagraj
The second phase of the river campaign was officially launched on November 6, 2024, from Prayagraj. Major General Cheema, Additional Director General of the Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh NCC, led the flag-off ceremony, addressing and inspiring NCC cadets from the PHHP&C, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh directorates. In his remarks, Major General Cheema emphasized the sanctity of the Ganga River, underscoring the need for its conservation while addressing the challenges the cadets would face during the expedition.Highlighting safety and the importance of resource preservation, he urged cadets to spread awareness on water conservation, celebrating India’s rivers as a cradle of ancient civilization and a significant source of sustenance.
Journey Along the Ganga: From Kanpur to Kolkata
The expedition, divided into riverine and coastal segments, spans the Ganga River from Kanpur to Kolkata. Relying on wind-powered boats, cadets will navigate this historic waterway, stopping at significant cities such as Varanasi, Buxar, Patna, and Farakka, before arriving in Kolkata on December 20, 2024. The expedition is scheduled to conclude on January 28, 2025, with a grand ceremony attended by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.The first milestone of this phase is expected to wrap up in Varanasi by November 11, with cadets—both male and female—participating equally. Across both river banks, 17 NCC directorates will be deployed for the SSE, ensuring broad involvement. The UP Directorate alone has contributed 72 cadets to the rowing initiative, with 144 cadets and staff from seven directorates engaged in the journey from Kanpur to Buxar.
Cultural Programs Enrich the Expedition
Alongside the expedition, cultural performances by the cadets have brought traditional art forms to life, reflecting India's vibrant diversity. A lively Bhangra performance by the NCC cadets from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh captivated attendees, highlighting the strength and energy embedded in India's folk traditions. This performance was part of a well-researched program that celebrated the living cultural heritage of the regions and illustrated how rivers have nurtured this shared cultural identity. The cultural showcase continued with a semi-classical dance performance, which resonated with the idea that India's art forms have withstood the test of time and transcended barriers of language and region. This was followed by the NCC Rajasthan Group's spirited Ghoomar dance at the Boat Club Greens, accompanied by an upbeat medley of Rajasthani folk songs, concluding the evening with a round of applause from the audience.
An Expedition with a Message of Conservation and Unity
The SSE aims to foster environmental awareness, especially regarding water conservation, by focusing on the ecological importance of India’s rivers. The campaign also brings to the forefront the cultural significance of rivers, linking them to India's linguistic, cultural, and historical legacy. This expedition is not merely a physical journey but a tribute to the role of rivers in unifying diverse communities across India.As the SSE 2024 moves forward, it serves as a reminder of India's rich cultural and natural heritage, with the NCC cadets carrying forward the message of sustainability and unity inspired by the lifeblood of India's rivers. With its culmination scheduled for January 2025, this grand expedition seeks to inspire the nation, reminding all Indians of the value and importance of their rivers, while embodying a spirit of camaraderie and respect for tradition.
This expedition highlights how India's rivers have not only shaped landscapes but also cultural identities, making SSE 2024 a truly remarkable campaign intertwining environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and the essence of national pride.
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