75th anniversary: Territorial Army expedition reaches Mandi’s Thalout

Tribune News Service

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Mandi, August 14

The Territorial Army (TA) has embarked on its inaugural expedition from the Siachen Glacier to Indira Point, celebrating its 75th anniversary.

This historic journey, covering approximately 5,500 km, is being conducted in two stages — the Mainland and the Island Leg.

The expedition will see 21 TA personnel cycling from Siachen to Chennai before heading to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, culminating at Indira Point, the southernmost tip of India, where the Tricolour will be hoisted. The team, flagged off from the Siachen Base Camp, reached at Thalout in Mandi district today.

The event was marked by a ceremony led by Kargil War Hero Brigadier Khushal Thakur YSM (Retd), who expressed pride in the TA’s role in national defence and community service.

Throughout the expedition, participants will engage in activities including sailing and scuba diving, while promoting national integration, environmental awareness and civil-military connections. Brig Thakur highlighted the TA’s unique position to bridge the gap between civilians and the military. “The 133 Eco Task Force (ETF), stationed in Himachal Pradesh, is involved in resettling ex-servicemen and driving afforestation efforts,” Thakur noted. He also mentioned the Western Command’s 10 Infantry Territorial Army units, with roughly one-third of their troops from Himachal Pradesh and the state’s representation in the TA.

“The Territorial Army’s platinum jubilee is not just a tribute to its rich history but also a reaffirmation of its ongoing commitment to the nation, both in defence and environmental stewardship,” Thakur concluded.