Is a student of Vallabh Government College, Mandi
Munish Sood
MANDI:
Cadet Muskan of the NCC Air Wing, Vallabh Government College, Mandi, has brought laurels to her college and Himachal Pradesh by successfully participating in a challenging 300-km cycling rally that included crossing the formidable Jalori Pass at an altitude of 10,800 feet in the Himalayas.
Cadet Muskan was a proud member of the 33-member cycling rally team organised by the Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu. The expedition traversed some of the most rugged and inhospitable terrain of the Himalayan region, testing the physical endurance, mental resilience and discipline of the participating cadets.
Flight Commander and NCC Officer of the Air Wing at Vallabh Government College, Flying Officer Dr Chaman Lal Kranti Singh, said that the primary objective of the cycling expedition was to motivate the youth, especially from rural and mountainous regions, to consider careers in the armed forces. The rally also aimed to promote a drug-free lifestyle, spread awareness about the importance of physical fitness and inculcate the values of discipline and perseverance among young people.
He said that Cadet Muskan’s participation in the demanding 300-km rally, conducted through difficult Himalayan routes, stands a testimony to her courage, determination and discipline. Her achievement, he added, also reflects the high standards of NCC training imparted at Vallabh Government College, Mandi.
Organised under the aegis of NCC Group Headquarters Shimla and the Department of Higher Education (DHE), the cycling rally covered a challenging route passing through Kullu, Banjar, Jalori Top, Ani, Narkanda, Theog and the state capital Shimla. Throughout the expedition, cadets demonstrated exceptional stamina, courage, physical fitness and a high level of discipline, qualities considered essential for those aspiring to serve in the armed forces.
The 300-km cycling campaign was successfully led by Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer of Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu. During the course of the rally, the NCC team reached out to nearly 3,400 students across 15 educational institutions, educating them about career opportunities in the armed forces while also delivering a strong message on adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying away from substance abuse.
The cycling rally was conducted from November 23 to November 30, 2025. Highlighting Cadet Muskan’s earlier achievements, Flying Officer Dr Chaman said that she had represented the Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh Directorate at the All India Air Force Camp.
She has also previously participated in the Spiti Marathon organised by the Army’s Surya Command under Operation Sadbhavana from August 24 to August 29, 2025. Despite extremely harsh and challenging environmental conditions, she successfully completed the marathon, further underlining her resilience and commitment.
On her return to the college, a special high tea was organised in her honour at Vallabh Government College, Mandi. On this occasion, College Principal Dr. Sanjeev Kumar and Flying Officer Dr Chaman felicitated Cadet Muskan by presenting her with a memento and extended their best wishes for her bright future.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Sanjeev Kumar said that NCC cadets of Vallabh Government College had been consistently enhancing the reputation of the institution and Himachal Pradesh at national and international levels. He informed that under the able leadership and guidance of Flying Officer Dr. Chaman, the college’s NCC cadets have proudly represented India in Youth Exchange Programmes held in countries such as Russia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and Bhutan.
He further noted that between 2018 and 2025, more than 12 NCC cadets from the college represented the Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh Directorate at the National Republic Day Camp held in Delhi. During the same period, over 12 cadets from the institution had been commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, receiving Presidential Commissions, an achievement that stands as a matter of immense pride for the college.
The flag-in ceremony of the cycling expedition was held at Jutogh Cantonment, Shimla, in the presence of NCC Group Commander of Shimla, Brigadier Harpreet Singh. Congratulating the entire team, he lauded the cadets for successfully completing the expedition despite sub-zero temperatures, treacherous Himalayan routes, uneven terrain and the steep ascents of the 10,800-feet-high Jalori Pass.
The felicitation ceremony at Vallabh Government College, Mandi, was attended by Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh (NCC Air Wing), Caretaker Officer of the Army Wing Dr Balbir Singh, Dr Kavita, along with NCC cadets from both the Air Wing and Army Wing.
