AGARTALA, Dec 2 : Commemorating 53 years of India’s spectacular victory in 1971 War, Lt Gen AS Pendharkar, YSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Spear Corps, flagged off the cycling expedition from Dimapur to Agartala 02 December 2024. The expedition will travel from Dimapur in Nagalnd to Agartala in Tripura covering a distance of over 500 Kms in 12 days under challenging road conditions. The expedition is aimed at spreading the saga of valour exhibited by our Armed Forces, who not only led our Nation to victory but also played a pivotal role in the birth of a new Nation.

During the flag off various Ex Servicemen were felicitated which included four Poorvi Star veterans and one Gallantry award winner. 16 needy Ex-servicemen (ESM) were also provided with medical aids. The Flag-off ceremony was attended by Indian Army officials, Ex-servicemen (ESM), Veer Naris, school students and NCC cadets.

Christened as the ‘Pedalling Patriots-II’ the expedition comprised of 15 members who embarked on a 12-day journey traversing through three states covering a distance of over 500 Kms. 

During its 12-day journey, the Pedalling Patriots-II will travel through towns like Lumding, Halflong, Masimpur and interact with ESMs, Veer Naris and widows of veterans. Spear Corps has carried out detailed coordination with Zila Sainik Boards of the three states whereby the expeditioners will be assisting the old and needy ESM by providing them with equipment like Wheel Chairs, Hearing Aids & Walking Sticks.

The Pedalling Patriots-II will also interact with school children of nine schools across three states wherein they will conduct various competitions like painting, elocution and felicitate the achievers. They will also deliver lectures on the glory of the Indian Army and also provide a humane touch by providing sports equipment to orphanages.The expedition will culminate on Vijay Diwas (16 December 2024) at L/Nk Albert Ekka War Memorial, Agartala.