Munish Sood
MANDI:
In an achievement that reflects the growing aspirations and grit of Himachal’s youth, NCC Cadet Dumesha Kumari of Vallabh Government College in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has successfully summited Mount BC Roy (18,000 ft) in the Eastern Himalayas during the prestigious Advanced Mountaineering Course (AMC) conducted by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling.
The feat is particularly significant because Dumesha was the only cadet from the Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh NCC Directorate selected for this advanced and high-risk course. Her achievement places her among a distinguished group of young mountaineers who undergo one of India’s toughest training programmes in extreme terrains and unpredictable Himalayan weather.
Test of endurance, leadership, skill
The course, held from October 21 to November 17, 2025, demanded proficiency in advanced climbing disciplines — rock craft, snow craft, ice techniques, glacier movement, emergency rescue and high-altitude survival. Dumesha excelled in every module, completing the mandatory 13-km speed trek with a 15-kg load ahead of the designated time.
Her successful summit of Mt BC Roy and the unfurling of the Tricolour symbolise not just personal courage but also the rising contribution of women cadets in national adventure and defence-oriented programmes.
Her return to Vallabh Government College was marked by a felicitation ceremony where Principal Sanjeev Kumar honoured her with a memento. He highlighted that NCC cadets from the college have consistently showcased excellence at national and international levels, a result of disciplined training provided by the two Army Wing companies and one Air Wing flight operating on the campus.
The NCC Air Wing, led by Flying Officer Dr Chaman Lal Kranti Singh, has been instrumental in giving cadets exposure to global platforms including Russia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and Bhutan through the Youth Exchange Programme. Over the last several years, more than a dozen cadets from the college have earned the President’s Commission in the Indian armed forces, a record that underscores the quality of mentorship.
Dr Chaman noted that the AMC is designed to strengthen mental resilience, leadership capacity, disaster-response readiness and adventure capability, preparing cadets for both civil and defence pathways. Caretaker Officer Dr. Kavita called Dumesha’s success an inspiration for the 1 HP Girls Battalion NCC, Solan, and a milestone that will motivate more young women to pursue advanced adventure training.
Role model from rural Himachal
Belonging to Gohar in Mandi district, Dumesha is currently a BA-III student. Her achievement sends a powerful message about how talent from rural Himachal, when given institutional support and opportunities, can rise to national platforms.
Dumesha’s climb is not just a mountaineering success but a reminder of how structured youth programmes like NCC are shaping a generation that is confident, skilled and prepared for real-world challenges. Her summit adds value by showcasing what young Indians can achieve when discipline, opportunity and guidance come together.
The ceremony was concluded in the presence of NCC officers, faculty members and cadets, marking a proud moment for the institution and the region.
