Army personnelrendering yeoman services in tough border areas: Governor

Army personnel rendering yeoman services in tough border areas: Governor

Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA-------Governor Bandaru Dattatraya said that various expeditions inculcate a sense of adventurism and initiative-taking in the young lot and it also enhances their skills and makes them better fit for the Forces and in general life.

            The Governor was speaking on the Flag-in function organized jointly by the team of Indian Tibet Border Police (ITBP) and Indian Army Trekking and Cycling Green Expedition at Raj Bhavan, Shimla, today.  

            The Governor said that army personnel were rendering yeoman services in tough territories in the border areas by putting their life in danger for the sake of the country. It was due to their selfless services, we were enjoying the freedom, he added and said that such activities would also be helpful in channelizing the energy of youth in the constructive and positive direction besides strengthening the spirit of nationalism among them. He said that India was a country of spiritual thoughts and since ages, our traditions remained liberal and human service and welfare have been our objective.  He appealed to the young generation to preserve our rich and high values and traditions and work for the development of the country. "It is our moral responsibility to dedicate our-self for the nation and always be ready for sacrificing our lives for the sake of the country", said the Governor. 

            While congratulating the contingents, he said that the trekking and cycling expedition was organised with a view to strengthening inter-service coordination. The whole team showed a great sense of initiative and courage in crossing these obstacles in the freezing cold conditions near the glaciers and the team completed its task without any harm to men and material, he said. He added that the team showed exemplary strength and completed the task allotted one day ahead of the schedule and reached Kullu on 12th September, 2019.

            Earlier, DIG, Shimla Sector ITBP Raman Khadwal welcomed the Governor and thanked him for the encouragement. He said that a trekking and cycling expedition was flagged off from Pooh in Kinnaur district on 2 September, 2019. The team comprised of 3 officers (including one lady officer), 2 junior commissioned officers and 13 other ranks from 2nd Battalion ITBP, Kullu and 16 Punjab (Patiala) of the Indian Army. The expedition was conducted in two phases. He said that the aim of the expedition was to enhance cohesiveness, jointness and inter-service cooperation among the Indian Army and ITBP along with encouraging the local populace of the far-flung areas of HP to join the uniformed forces.

             Commanding Officer 16 Punjab Col. Ramesh Daber said informed that in the first phase we have involved a four-day trek (75 kms) from Batal to Baralacha La along the treacherous terrain of Lahaul and Spiti valley. The team also passed through heights of up to 18000 ft in this phase and had to cross several obstacles, especially several river crossings. In the second phase was also not so easy and it also involved 232 km of cycling from Baralacha La to Babeli, Kullu passing through Rohtang pass on the way. This involved an average of 55 km of cycling daily in the high altitude areas of Lahaul, including passing through streams, broken roads, herds of sheep and traffic. He said that they had also conducted free medical camps and conducted cleanliness campaigns at several locations especially in Chandertal Lake. The team set out with a green mission and passed on a message of Clean, Green, Healthy and a Fit India, he added.

            They also presented Expedition Flag to The Governor.

            Secretary to Governor Rakesh Kanwar, Commandant, ITBP Kushal Kumar, Commandant, Sector Headquarter Shimla Deepak Pandey, and other team members of ITBP and Army were also present on the occasion.