HT Correspondent
BISWANATH CHARIALI, Nov 1: The Brahmaputra River Sailing Expedition – MENU 2025, organised under the aegis of the NCC Directorate North Eastern Region (NER), Shillong, was flagged off on Saturday from Biswanath Ghat, Biswanath Chariali. The expedition, part of the Most Enterprising Naval Unit (MENU-2025) national competition for Naval NCC cadets, celebrates the valour of Ahom General Bir Lachit Borphukan and aims to promote adventure, teamwork and nation-building among the youth.
A total of 84 Senior Division and Senior Wing Naval NCC cadets from the 48 and 49 Assam Naval Units are participating in the 10-day river voyage, covering a distance of 248 kilometres through five districts before concluding at Pandu Port, Guwahati, on November 10. The cadets will sail an average of 20–25 kilometres per day, with the first stop at Silghat, Nagaon.
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The expedition is being led by Lt Cdr Monoj Joshi, Commanding Officer of 49 Assam Naval Unit NCC, assisted by Lt Cdr Tileswar Nath, Commanding Officer of 48 Assam Naval Unit NCC, who serves as Safety Officer. The fleet comprises four NCC Whaler boats, an Inland Water Transport vessel from the Government of Assam and two rescue boats from the participating units to ensure safety and communication support.
Before the sailing phase, the cadets underwent intensive training during the Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC) at Gohpur from October 22 to 31. The training covered river sailing and pulling techniques, navigation, river current management and survival procedures.
During the expedition, cadets will participate in community outreach programmes including Swachhata Abhiyaan, Puneet Sagar Abhiyaan, anti-drug awareness drives and street plays on Bir Lachit Borphukan’s heroism to inspire patriotism and social responsibility.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Promod Borthakur, MLA of Biswanath, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he praised the cadets’ enthusiasm and urged them to make the most of the experience to develop leadership and discipline. Brig Karnail Singh, Group Commander of NCC Group Headquarters Jorhat, along with officers, ANOs and local dignitaries, also conveyed their best wishes for the expedition’s success.
The Brahmaputra River Sailing Expedition – MENU 2025 stands as a tribute to Assam’s riverine heritage and the indomitable spirit of India’s youth, embodying the NCC motto of “Unity and Discipline.”
