Members of the Ocean Sailing Expedition team from the Naval unit of NCC, Group Headquarters Puducherry, were given a rousing reception at the Thengaithittu fishing harbour on their return on Sunday.
The expedition Sagar Parikrama 2015, organised under the aegis of the NCC Group Headquarters, forms part of the all-India competition amongst the NCC units for the Most Enterprising Naval Unit (MENU) trophy, which is given away by the Prime Minister during the Republic Day parade.
The expedition started from Thengaithittu fishing harbour on September 10 and traversed about 180 nautical miles after touching ports at Cuddalore, Parangipettai, Pazhayar, Tharangampadi and Nagapattinam.
The expedition was aimed at imparting hands-on training to the cadets in navigation, handling of boats and sailing. Even before setting sail, the cadets underwent rigorous training as the expedition required a high level of physical fitness, mental strength and the willingness to take risk.
The boats were equipped with life jackets, lifebuoys, communication sets and sufficient quantity of rations.
On return, the cadets were received by Commodore Vijesh K. Garg, deputy director, NCC Directorate, Chennai, Colonel Anil Nautiyal, Group Commander, NCC Group Headquarters, Puducherry. Education Minister T. Thiagarajan complimented the cadets for the successful completion of the expedition.
The team comprised two naval officers, one associated naval officer, support staff and 30 senior NCC cadets from various institutions in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Commodore Vijesh K. Garg said the cadets had exhibited indomitable spirit and endured tough conditions at sea with a great deal of zeal during the course of the expedition.
The cadets also cleaned up the coast. The expedition helps them in developing team spirit, sense of adventure in sea and makes them disciplined and brave, he said.
