Naveen Uraon
“SARKHEL Khanoji Angre: Konkan Ratna’ Whaler Boat Sailing Expedition by 44 cadets from NCC Directorate Maharashtra is being conducted from 18 – 28 January 2015. A special function was organized at Alibag on January 24, 2015 to commemorate the historic Maratha Naval Commander Admiral Surkhel Kanhoji Angre. Rear Admiral MS Pawar, Flag Officer Maharashtra and Gujarat Area and Major General Subodh Kumar, Additional Director General, National Cadet Corps, Maharashtra Directorate laid a wreath at the Samadhi Stage Angre Garden, Alibag. The Sailing Expedition team along with 200 NCC Cadets and students took part in the event. A Cultural programme followed by high tea and interaction with local dignitaries, Media and Cadets marked the event.
Colonel PY Parbate as Commanding Officer, 2 Maharashtra Naval Unit NCC and Capt TM Valunjkar (Indian Navy), as Team Leader, with 44 cadets including 40 Naval cadets (30 boys, 10 girls), 02 Army cadets (01 boy, 01 gir) and 02 Air Force cadets (one boy and girl each) have taken part in the expedition. The expedition has taken sea route from Devgarh to Alibag and will head back to Ratnagiri on January 25, 2015. The expedition has carried out sailing and pulling with the aim to cover most minor ports enroute during daylight hours. A total distance of approx 285 NM (530 KM) of sea route is being covered during the expedition. The expedition aims at inculcating spirit of adventure, camaraderie and spirit-de-corps and to expose the cadets to the vagaries of ocean condition. The expedition will also expose the cadets to the diverse and varied cultures and traditions within the Konkan region of Maharashtra and educate them regarding the life of Sarkhel Khanoji Angre as he operated from various forts along this picturesque coast.
As part of the Swatch Bharat Abhiyaan, the NCC cadets also undertook a cleanliness drive at Angre Garden and prepared the Garden and its premises for the event. Naval cadets of the NCC Directorate Maharashtra has regularly been undertaking coastal cleaning programme. A stall by the Naval NCC cadets also displayed banners, posters and various activities undertaken by these cadets.