SAILING BEYOND LIMITS: NCC CADETS COMPLETED 212 KM CHILIKA VOYAGE

The Chilika Sailing Expedition – 2025, organized by the 3(O) Naval Unit NCC, Cuttack, successfully concluded with a closing ceremony on 10th September 2025 at INS Chilika, commemorating the completion of a ten-day adventurous voyage across the pristine waters of Chilika Lake.

The expedition, which commenced from 1st September 2025, witnessed the participation of 60 Naval NCC cadets allover the Odisha. During the expedition, the cadets successfully sailed a distance of 212 kilometres, navigating through the vast Chilika Lake and covering important destinations such as Balugaon, Upuliailpur, Krushnaprasad, and the iconic Kalijai Island. The ten-day journey provided cadets with an enriching blend of sailing practice, seamanship training, endurance building, and community outreach. At every halt, the cadets engaged in meaningful interactions with local villagers and carried out awareness campaigns on environmental protection, cleanliness, and social responsibility.

The closing ceremony was graced by the Commanding Officer of 3(O) Naval Unit Cuttack, Commander Susant Kumar Mohanty. He addressed the cadets with encouraging and motivating words, inspiring them to uphold the values of discipline, service, and courage in all walks of life. In his remarks, he praised the cadets for their perseverance and courage in completing the challenging expedition. He emphasized that the voyage not only strengthened their navigational and leadership skills but also instilled in them the spirit of teamwork, resilience, and national integration.

During the closing ceremony, cadets shared their experiences, narrating the challenges of navigating long distances, unpredictable weather, and teamwork required for coordinated sailing. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to cadets and staff members who made the expedition a grand success. The event concluded with the singing of the NCC song, which echoed with pride and patriotism. The Chilika Sailing Expedition – 2025 has indeed been a remarkable milestone in the Naval NCC calendar, serving as a true testament to the spirit of adventure, discipline, and national service.