Leh 06 :- A challenging cycle expedition to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee Year of the Territorial Army was organised from Siachen Base Camp to Indira Point. Territorial Army (TA) was raised in 1949 after the enactment of Territorial Army Act 1948. Derived from the concept of ‘Citizen Army’ the role of TA has evolved and expanded with the force presently being intrinsic in all spheres. TA has actively participated in all major operations carried out by Indian Army and earned numerous gallantries and distinguished awards. The TA has further played a yeoman role in nation building, environment management and ecological restoration. Ecological Units of TA have planted approximately 9 Crore saplings in approximately 92,000 Hectares of land across the country to address the adverse effects of Global Warming.
The year 2024 is the platinum jubilee year of TA as it will complete 75 years of raising on 09 Oct 2024. To commemorate this occasion Territorial Army is conducting the first ever expedition from ‘Siachen Glacier to Indira Point’. The expedition is aimed to be conducted in two legs i.e. Mainland Leg and Island Leg traversing a distance of approximately 5,500 kms through land, air and sea.
The Expedition comprising of 21 Territorial Army personnel was flagged-off from Siachen Base Camp on 30 Jul 2024. The expedition has reached Leh on 02 Aug 2024. General Officer Commanding, 72 Sub Area interacted with team members on 04 Aug 2024. The expedition will 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 where the Tricolour will be hoisted underwater at the southernmost tip of India. Besides Cycling, the expedition team will also undergo Sailing and Scuba Diving activities as part of expedition. Public awareness activities addressing the issues of National Integration, Environment consciousness, Know your Army etc will also be undertaken along the route. Territorial Army has a wide presence throughout the length and breadth of the country and fostering a Civil Military connect will be the primary aim of the expedition.