WATCH: First-ever Brahmaputra sailing expedition flagged off

For the first time ever, an attempt is being made to take out a sailing expedition on the mighty Brahmaputra. The expedition was flagged off today by ADG NCC Northeast Region Major General Bipin Bakshi at Biswanath Ghat. The ten-day-long expedition will culminate on October 25 at Pandu, where the famous Battle of Saraighat was fought between the Ahoms and the Mughals.

Guwahati (Assam): With an aim to rekindle the memories of the epic battle of Saraighat and foster a spirit of adventure amongst the youth, NCC Directorate of Shillong flagged off the first-ever 10-day sailing expedition in the North-Eastern region on the Brahmaputra river.

The expedition was flagged by ADG NCC Northeast region Major General Bipin Bakshi at Biswanath Ghat.

Informing of the expedition, Major General Bakshi said, "It will bring to fore the rich heritage and remind the present generation of the valour displayed by the great Ahom General Lachit Borphukan and freedom fighter Kanaklata Barua in the true traditions of the rich history of Assam."

A total number of three boats will be used in the expedition. 80 cadets will be part of the expedition and on rotation, at a time 24 cadets will be sailing the three boats. Keeping in view the challenges involved and the safety measures, the teams will only sail during the day with a night halt in various places.

Apart from revisiting history, this expedition will also carry messages on environmental hazards and climate change. It has been learned that the teams will also spend time to clean the river banks during their sail.

They will also create awareness among riverside communities against tree felling and the environmental impact it has on the planet and the ecosystem.