NEWS DESK
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged-in a climb-a-thon organised by Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav in New Delhi today.
The climb-a-thon was organised at four smaller peaks of Sikkim Himalayas from April 20th to 25th this year.
The climb-a-thon under the leadership of Group Captain Jai Kishan was conducted at Mt Rhenock, Mt Frey, Mt BC Roy and Mt Palung, by a team of 125 mountaineers.
The National Flag measuring 7 thousand 500 square feet and weighing 75 kilograms, was hoisted atop Mt Rhenock at an altitude of 16 thousand 500 feet above sea level.
The point where the National Flag was hoisted has been named after first freedom fighter from Sikkim, Trilochan Pokhrel, fondly remembered as Gandhi Pokhrel.
The feat was recorded as the biggest Indian National Flag hoisted atop a mountain in the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records.
The team also performed a world record 75-hour nonstop Surya Namaskar 2.51 lakh times at HMI, Darjeeling.
Appreciating HMI for this unique initiative, Mr Singh stated that such events will promote patriotism through adventure among the youth.
He conveyed his best wishes to the team and released the certificates of participation for the team.
Group Captain Jai Kishan presented the replica of the Indian Flag to Mr Singh. Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence were also present on the occasion.
The National Flag is planned to be displayed at different locations across the country, including Statue of Unity in Gujarat on 31st October this year, National War Memorial and South Block in New Delhi on 16th December on the occasion of Swarnim Vijay Diwas, Lal Chowk in Srinagar on 15th August 2022, Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 23rd March 2022 and Kanyakumari.
In addition, the team plans to display the Indian Flag over highest peak of South Pole in January 2022.