Date:10/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/10/stories/2009011057670200.htm

Kerala - Kochi

National trekking expedition by NCC

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The National Cadet Corps Directorate of Kerala and Lakshadweep has organised an All India NCC Boys Trekking Expedition (senior and junior divisions) in and around Nedungandam in Idukki district.

Titled Kerala Trek, the expedition aims to inculcate a spirit of adventure, exploration, inquisitiveness and to build a sense of practical investigation among the cadets. Developing stamina, endurance, self-confidence, espirit-de-corps, love for nature and the environment are among the other aims. The trekking would enable cadets to learn about preserving the environment, caring for wild life, respecting local customs and traditions, religious beliefs, culture and history.

Nine hundred and seventy cadets and 30 associate NCC officers from 12 directorates spread all over the nation are participating in the event which began on Thursday and will continue till January 28. The cadets have been divided into eight batches of 125 each. This is for the first time that the NCC has organised such a major national-level trekking event in Idukki. The expedition will enable the cadets to know how vast and diverse the country is. This will also promote national integration since the cadets would live together as a group, said Lt. Col. V. George, Commanding Officer of the 21 (Kerala) Battalion NCC.