8-day river sailing expedition begins in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: Sep 1: After a long gap of ten years, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Mangaluru unit, has organised an eight-day river sailing expedition for fifty selected NCC cadets from various colleges of the district in Nethravathi and Gurupura Rivers, starting from Lobo’s river view point here from Tuesday.

Briefing about the event, Commanding Officer M C Belliappa, said, “Four teams have been formed among 30 boys and 20 girls. They would cover 200 kms in their eight days of expedition using two boats. It is also the selection camp for the state-level camp which will be held at Udupi from September 12. Along with the best cadet, 17 boys and 13 girls will be selected for the state-level camp. Six units will participate in the state-level Nav Sainik camp and the eligible teams will get an opportunity to participate in the National-level camp which will be held at Karwar from October 17 to 26.”

“As only two crews can go in a boat, various other activities have been conducted for the remaining students. They will have training programmes on drill, gym, firing, naval signalling system, health and hygiene, service oriented programmes would be held.

Competitions like quiz will be conducted. The ‘Best cadet’ of the camp will be selected at the end. The points earned in the camp will be considered for the selection of cadets for the Republic Day parade at New Delhi,” he added.

The objective of the expedition is to motivate adventurous spirit and team spirit among cadets. There is a need for increasing awareness about marine pollution. “We took help of the district administration and various departments including fisheries, health and police department will provide security arrangements. The students have been training at Bunder on river expedition. There will be life jackets, speed boat, local civil boats for the security,” Belliappa added.

Earlier, Permanent Lok Adalat president (In-charge) Nitteguttu Sharath Bhandary flagged off the event. He said, “Mental stability is very important for events like this. This is a very good opportunity to learn about environment. Sailing helps to earn knowledge and skill of seamanship.”