Leh (Ladakh) [India]: The Territorial Army (TA) is commemorating its with an extraordinary expedition spanning from the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh to Indira Point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
This remarkable journey, covering approximately 5,500 kilometres, is being conducted through a combination of cycling, sailing, and scuba diving, reflecting the TA’s spirit of adventure and dedication. The expedition marks the TA’s 75th anniversary, which will be celebrated on October 9, 2024.
The 21-member expedition was flagged off from Siachen Glacier on July 30, 2024. The expedition team reached New Delhi on July 21, 2024, where it paid homage at the National War Memorial.
The expedition was flagged off from New Delhi today, for its further journey to Indira Point, by Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems and Coordination). Lieutenant General Raju Baijal, Director General of Territorial Army and other senior officials from the Army also participated in the event.
The expedition will now cycle through the entire length of the Nation till Chennai from where the team will move to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
After traversing southwards through the Nicobar Islands, the expedition will terminate at Indira Point, the southernmost tip of India, where the Tricolour will be hoisted underwater at a depth of 40 meters.
Public awareness activities addressing the issues of National Integration, Environment Consciousness, know your Army etc are also being undertaken by the team enroute. The expedition team is honouring the Veterans and families of military personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The TA has a wide presence throughout the length and breadth of the country and fostering a Civil-Military connect is also one of the objectives of the expedition.
The TA was raised in 1949 after the enactment of the Territorial Army Act 1948. Over the decades, it has evolved and expanded in a larger force that is intrinsic in all spheres of operations conducted by the Indian Army.
The TA has actively participated in all major operations carried out by the Indian Army and earned numerous gallantry and other awards.
The TA has further played a yeoman role in nation-building, environment management and ecological restoration.