Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 27: The Special Basic Mountaineering Course conducted at the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism (IHCAE), South Sikkim, was a challenging, memorable, and enriching experience that provided cadets with an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering while testing their physical and mental strength.
Cadets from St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, who are part of 6 KAR AIR SQN NCC, namely Cadet Corporal Likitha R K, Cadet Corporal Sonal Jessica Crasta, and leading flight cadet Hrithisha D Poojary of III B.Sc., participated in the course held from October 23 to November 20.
After nine days of training at the institution, the participants proceeded to the mountains of North Sikkim, where they underwent intensive mountain training for the next fifteen days. Living in tents and adapting to the cold and challenging mountain environment proved to be an entirely new experience for them.
Training at an altitude of around 15,000 feet, with the base camp situated at approximately 14,500 feet, pushed the cadets beyond their comfort zones and taught them the importance of endurance, teamwork, and determination.
The most challenging part of the course was the final mission, which involved a height gain of 17,000 feet. Despite the difficult terrain, cold weather, and physical exhaustion, all 30 participants successfully completed the mission.
Reaching the final height was a proud and unforgettable moment for everyone. The achievement helped the participants realise that even difficult challenges could be overcome with proper training, teamwork, and strong willpower.
After successfully completing the mountain phase, the participants returned to the institution, where they underwent a theory examination, participated in a marathon, and attended an interview with the Administrator. These final activities tested not only their physical abilities but also their knowledge, confidence, and overall understanding of mountaineering.
The course was a rewarding experience that taught the participants that mountaineering was not merely about reaching a summit but also about practising patience, courage, discipline, and teamwork, and never giving up when the journey became difficult. The experience helped them discover their own strength and gave them memories they would cherish for a lifetime.
Overall, the Special Basic Mountaineering Course was a wonderful and transformative experience. It challenged the participants physically and mentally, strengthened their confidence, and taught them valuable lessons that extended far beyond the mountains. They expressed their gratitude to the instructors, their unit, the institution, and everyone involved for providing them with this opportunity and guiding them throughout the course.
The course began with rigorous morning physical training (PT), which helped the participants develop stamina, strength, and discipline. This was followed by practical training in sports, rock climbing, and advanced rock climbing. Afternoon sessions consisted of theory classes conducted by experienced instructors. The participants were also trained in various knots and hitches, which are essential skills in mountaineering and climbing.