A team of trekkers from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, culminated their “Mission Antarctica” expedition with a grand flag-in ceremony in New Delhi. Union Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, led the applause as the team, led by Group Captain Jai Kishan, returned after a two-year journey that saw them scale icy peaks and unfurl the Indian flag across diverse landscapes.
The expedition, which began in 2021, etched its mark in history by hoisting the largest Indian National Flag ever atop a mountain in Asia. This monumental flag, measuring 7,500 sq ft and weighing 75 kilograms, fluttered proudly atop Mt Rhenock in Sikkim Himalayas at a breathtaking 16,500 feet. This incredible feat was duly recognized by the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records.
But the team’s ambition soared even higher. During their expedition, they also unfurled the Tricolor over Mount Vinson Peak, the highest point in Antarctica, ensuring that the Indian spirit resonated even at the South Pole.
The flag-in ceremony, held at the Air Force Bal Bharati School in New Delhi, was a poignant culmination of the team’s efforts. The event also witnessed the culmination of the mega “Mera Yuva Bharat Yatra” roadshow, where holy soil and water sourced from the highest reaches of the Himalayas in Sikkim were presented to Shri Bhatt, symbolizing the spirit of unity and shared purpose.
In his address, Bhatt lauded the team’s exemplary effort, highlighting it as an “out-of-the-box initiative” that ignited the spirit of adventure and patriotism among the youth. He emphasized the importance of this period of “Amrit Kaal” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and called upon the school children present to become active participants in this journey of making India a “Viksit Bharat” – a prosperous and developed nation.
Bhatt urged the students to embrace both academic excellence and extracurricular activities for holistic development. He encouraged them to participate in government initiatives like Khelo India and Mera Yuva Bharat, fostering a spirit of active citizenship. The ceremony concluded with a vibrant patriotic cultural program presented by the students of Air Force Bal Bharati School, leaving everyone with a sense of pride and motivation.