Kajal, the lone cadet selected from Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, completes 250-km high-altitude expedition under ‘Aparajita–Parangla Trek 2026’
Munish Sood
Mandi
In a remarkable feat of endurance and courage, NCC Air Wing cadet Kajal of Vallabh Government College, Mandi, has hoisted the national flag and NCC flag atop the 18,370-foot Parangla Peak in the high Himalayas, bringing national recognition to Himachal Pradesh and the state’s NCC contingent.
Kajal was the only cadet selected from the Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, for the prestigious all-India women’s adventure expedition, Aparajita–Parangla Trek 2026. The expedition brought together 20 carefully selected women NCC cadets from across the country.
The successful completion of the expedition also earned the team a special reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu interacted with the participants and appreciated their courage and determination.
The expedition had earlier been formally flagged off from New Delhi by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
250-km journey through some of the toughest Himalayan terrain
Held from August 18 to September 25, the expedition covered nearly 250 km through high-altitude Himalayan terrain, testing the physical and mental endurance of the participants.
The trekkers began their journey from Kafnu in Himachal Pradesh and traversed a challenging route through Muling, Kara, Pustirang, Bhaba Pin Pass, Baldar, Mudh, Kaza, Kibber, Dumla, Thaltak and Bongrojon before reaching the Parangla Pass.
The expedition subsequently proceeded through Dak Karzong, Norbu Sumdo, Kiangdam and Karzok before culminating at Leh.
The defining moment came on September 17, when the expedition team set out from Bongrojon and climbed to an altitude of 18,370 feet to reach Parangla Peak, where Kajal joined her fellow cadets in unfurling the Tricolour and NCC flag.
The expedition exposed the participants to extremely low temperatures, thin oxygen levels, snow-covered and rocky terrain, high-altitude conditions and rapidly changing weather.
Led by Himachal NCC team
The expedition was led by Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer of Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu. Lieutenant Colonel Sonam Pandey served as the women’s team leader.
Kajal’s achievement has been particularly significant for Vallabh Government College, Mandi, which has been encouraging its NCC cadets to participate in adventure activities and national and international youth programmes.
‘A testament to discipline, determination and courage’
Flight Commander and NCC Officer Flying Officer Dr Chaman Lal Kranti Singh congratulated Kajal on the achievement and described her selection and successful summit as a moment of pride for the institution and Himachal Pradesh.
He said Kajal’s achievement demonstrated how young people from rural and mountainous regions could reach national platforms through discipline, physical fitness and determination.
He also pointed to the college’s growing record in adventure and youth activities. Cadets Muskan and Hansraj had recently successfully undertaken a mountaineering expedition to the Deodibba peak in the Pir Panjal range.
According to the college, more than 15 of its cadets participated in National Republic Day Camps and international youth exchange programmes in countries including Russia, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Kazakhstan between 2018 and 2025.
College felicitates Kajal
Kajal received a warm welcome on her return to Vallabh Government College, where Principal Dr Sanjeev Kumar and NCC officials felicitated her for the achievement.
She was presented with symbolic representations of the national flag and NCC flag by the principal and Flying Officer Dr Chaman.
Dr Kumar said Kajal’s achievement was a matter of pride for the entire college and underlined the institution’s commitment to providing students opportunities beyond academics, including personality development, adventure activities and national service.
He said the college’s NCC training and guidance had also helped more than a dozen of its cadets go on to serve the country as Lieutenants in the Indian Army and Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force.
Kajal’s ascent of Parangla Peak has added another notable chapter to the college’s NCC record, while placing the achievement of a young woman from Himachal Pradesh firmly in the national spotlight.
