Marking the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the Territorial Army (TA) launched a landmark expedition from Siachen Glacier to Indira Point, covering approximately 5,500 kilometres through land, air, and sea via cycling, sailing, and scuba diving.
The expedition commenced on July 30, 2024, from the Base Camp at Siachen Glacier, with the flag-off conducted by the Commander of the Siachen Brigade. The team successfully navigated the challenging terrain of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, reaching Delhi on August 22. There, they paid tribute at the National War Memorial before receiving a formal send-off from Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, and Director General of the Territorial Army, Lt Gen Raju Baijal, for the continuation of their journey.
After an intense 54-day adventure, the team reached Indira Point on September 21, 2024. In a poignant moment, they hoisted the Indian tricolour underwater at this southernmost tip of India, which was submerged during the 2004 tsunami.
Throughout their journey, the team interacted with local villagers, students, and public representatives, spreading awareness about the Indian Army and the Territorial Army while inspiring youth to consider joining the armed forces. They also promoted environmental consciousness, participating in plantation drives alongside local communities.
The expedition included interactions with civil and military authorities and veterans. After cycling the entire length of mainland India, the team arrived in Chennai on September 13, before flying to Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair). They were warmly welcomed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman Nicobar Command, Air Marshal S. Balakrishnan.
In a ceremonial conclusion, the team is set to return to Delhi, where they will present the traditional sceptre adorned with the tricolour and the flags of both the Indian Army and the Territorial Army to the Chief of Army Staff in an official ceremony.
The Territorial Army, established to serve as a second line of defence to the Regular Army, was inaugurated on October 9, 1949, by the first Indian Governor General, C Rajagopalachari, following the passage of the Territorial Army Act in 1948.
