Date:17/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/17/stories/2006121704240200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

NCC bikers set off on a mission to Andamans

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: NCC cadets of Christ College have set off on yet another motorcycle expedition. "Santhwana Yatra", the third of its kind, is headed towards the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to show solidarity with the people there on the second anniversary of the tsunami disaster.

The expedition was flagged off by Deputy Director General of NCC Karnataka and the Goa Directorate Air Commodore S. Srivastav.

The team is being led by Lieutenant Ajay Pavithran, Commanding Officer of the No. 2 Company of the ninth Karnataka Battalion. It comprises 11 cadets — 6 boys and 5 girls — who will travel around 1,683 km during the expedition.

They will be riding through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, halting at night at various junctures before finally sailing down to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on December 26 (the second anniversary of the tsunami).

Five days

The team will be spending five days on the island, where they will be meeting the families of the victims interacting with schoolchildrenand involving themselves in numerous other activities.

"This expedition will highlight the role of women in the armed forces and also promote the team spirit and adventure sports," said Lt. Ajay Pavithran.

Fortnight of travel

The expedition will conclude on January 3, 2007, after almost a fortnight of travelling.

On their return, the cadets will stage many street plays narrating their experiences with the people of the island. This expedition, they for them is a way of showing the support and concern of the mainland for the people of the island.