Darjeeling (West Bengal) [India], June 22 (ANI): A National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadet of the 23rd Battalion of NCC Siliguri, Pratima Rai, successfully summited Mount Everest, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support to the NCC. She said that the journey to Mount Everest was incredibly challenging, adventurous and filled with unforgettable memories.

While speaking to ANI, Pratima Rai shared her experience, saying, 'It started in August 2024, with the selection process...It was a moment of immense pride when I raised the NCC flag and the national flag at the summit of Everest...Those who support their daughters to move ahead are doing well. Now, the daughters can do a lot of things...Stay focused and achieve your dreams...I am thankful to the Prime Minister for his support to the NCC.'

Her proud father, Asa Kumar Rai, expressed joy, saying, '...She succeeded at an early age. My daughter came after being successful. We are happy. All the family members are happy.'

Colonel Jayanta Chattopadhyay, Commanding Officer of the 23rd Battalion, also praised her accomplishment. 'It is a proud moment for us...It (mountaineering) is one of the many missions. A lot of our children also go to the parade...NCC provides a massive platform for all the students who join it...We are there to support all our students,' he told ANI.

Meanwhile, on June 12, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday, felicitated the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Mountaineering Expedition Team, comprising five girls and five boys aged an average of 19 years, who scaled Mount Everest on May 18, as per the release.

Honouring the team's raw courage, grit, and patriotism, led by Col Amit Bisht, he presented a cheque of Rs 10 lakh for achieving the feat in the harshest conditions without any injury.

During the event held at South Block, New Delhi, the cadets shared their experiences of the expedition, detailing the rigorous training, meticulous planning and challenges encountered. The defence minister commended the team for passing the courage, discipline, resilience, and composure tests in flying colours.

The feat marked the third successful Everest expedition by the NCC, following similar accomplishments in 2013 and 2016. The expedition team comprised 10 cadets, a contingent of officers, junior commissioned officers, instructors and non-commissioned officers. The team consisted of Subedar Major Balkar Singh, the first Subedar Major of the Indian Army to summit Mount Everest. The young cadet of the team was just 16 years old.

The Defence Minister formally flagged off the expedition team on April 03, 2025. Throughout the expedition, the team adhered strictly to established safety protocols and operational guidelines, ensuring the well-being of all members at every stage. (ANI)