The Brahmaputra Sailing Expedition – MENU 2026 was flagged off from Biswanath Ghat in Assam on October 28 under the aegis of the NCC Directorate, North Eastern Region (NER), Shillong. The 10-day expedition aims to promote adventure, leadership, teamwork and discipline among young cadets while paying tribute to the valour and patriotism of legendary Ahom General Bir Lachit Borphukan.
Organised under the Most Enterprising Naval Unit (MENU–26) initiative, the expedition brings together 100 Senior Division and Senior Wing Naval NCC cadets from the 48 and 49 Assam Naval Units NCC for a challenging riverine journey across Assam.
248-Km Journey Across Six Districts:
The cadets will cover approximately 248 kilometres over 10 days, traversing six districts—Biswanath, Sonitpur, Nagaon, Darrang, Morigaon and Kamrup Metropolitan—before concluding the expedition at Pandu Port in Guwahati on November 6, 2026.
The team is scheduled to cover an average of 20–25 kilometres daily, with its first halt at Silghat in Nagaon district after an opening-day journey of approximately 30 kilometres.
The expedition will be commanded by Lieutenant Commander Tileswar Nath, Officer Commanding, 48 Assam Naval Unit NCC. Lieutenant Commander Mohd Farhan, Officer Commanding, 49 Assam Naval Unit NCC, will serve as the Safety Officer.
Extensive Safety and Logistical Support:
The expedition fleet comprises six 27-foot DK Whaler boats, supported by two Inland Water Transport vessels provided by the Government of Assam, four safety boats from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and a rescue boat from the participating Naval NCC units.
The support fleet will provide operational assistance, communication facilities and safety cover throughout the river voyage.
Ahead of the expedition, the 48 Assam Naval Unit NCC conducted an intensive preparatory camp at Tezpur from October 23 to 27. Cadets received practical training in boat pulling, sailing, navigation, seamanship, watermanship, understanding river currents, survival techniques, river safety and rescue and recovery procedures.
Community Outreach and Tribute to Lachit Borphukan:
Beyond adventure training, the expedition will undertake community engagement and social service activities along its route. These will include cleanliness drives under the Swachhata Abhiyaan, awareness campaigns and anti-drug initiatives.
At selected halts, cadets will stage street plays and cultural performances highlighting the courage, patriotism and leadership of Bir Lachit Borphukan, whose legacy remains an enduring symbol of Assam’s military history.
The flag-off ceremony at Biswanath Ghat was attended by Smt Karabi Saikia Karan, District Commissioner of Biswanath, who formally inaugurated the expedition as the Chief Guest.
The Brahmaputra Sailing Expedition – MENU 2026 combines adventure, maritime training, cultural awareness and community service, offering cadets an opportunity to develop leadership and resilience while strengthening their connection with Assam’s riverine heritage.
The initiative reflects the National Cadet Corps’ motto, “Unity and Discipline,” and its broader commitment to nurturing responsible, confident and nation-oriented youth.
