ITANAGAR, OCT 11:

The 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), under the aegis of NCC Group Headquarters (Bravo), Tezpur, has commenced the eight-day NER Trek-I camp for Senior and Junior Division boys at MTGHSS Itanagar.

Scheduled from October 10 to 17, the camp brings together 550 NCC cadets from five directorates: North Eastern Region, West Bengal and Sikkim, Bihar and Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The initiative aims to promote camaraderie, discipline and national integration through adventure and shared experiences.

The first day was dedicated to the arrival and accommodation of cadets. The camp formally commenced on October 11 with an address by the Commanding Officer of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC, who welcomed the participants to the Rising Sun Trek in Arunachal Pradesh.

Emphasising the importance of physical fitness and mental well-being, the Commanding Officer said trekking helps build resilience, improve physical and mental endurance, and prepare cadets to face life’s challenges with confidence and adaptability.

The camp schedule includes activities designed to develop teamwork, discipline and an appreciation of the region’s cultural diversity. Cadets will attend introductory sessions on safety and first aid, learn about the tribes and traditions of Arunachal Pradesh, and participate in demonstrations on knots, lashings and hitches.

The programme also includes treks to Chimi village and Poma Hills, along with a survival day intended to familiarise cadets with local culture and cuisine. An “Itanagar Darshan” programme and a fun day are also planned.

Group activities, games, athletics, treasure hunts, quizzes and cultural programmes will form part of the schedule, providing opportunities for interaction and collective learning beyond routine camp activities.

The NER Trek-I camp aims to offer cadets from different parts of the country an engaging experience of life in Northeast India. By combining adventure with cultural exposure and teamwork, the initiative seeks to make national integration a lived experience while encouraging participants to appreciate India’s diversity.

The camp is scheduled to conclude on October 17, with the experience expected to strengthen bonds among cadets and foster a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, unity and national integration.