NCC flags off Brahmaputra sailing expedition 2026

The prestigious Brahmaputra Sailing Expedition – MENU 2026, being conducted under the aegis of NCC Directorate North Eastern Region (NER), Shillong, was flagged off from Biswanath Ghat, Biswanath Chariali, on 28 October 2026. The expedition, organised as part of the Most Enterprising Naval Unit (MENU–26) initiative, celebrates the valour, courage and leadership of the legendary Ahom General Bir Lachit Borphukan and aims to promote adventure, teamwork, discipline and nation-building among the youth of the North Eastern Region.

A total of 100 Senior Division (SD) and Senior Wing (SW) Naval NCC cadets from 48 and 49 Assam Naval Units NCC are participating in this remarkable riverine adventure. The cadets will cover 248 kilometres over 10 days, traversing through 06 districts of Assam, including Biswanath, Sonitpur, Nagaon, Darrang, Morigaon and Kamrup Metropolitan, before concluding their voyage at Pandu Port, Guwahati, on 06 November 2026.The team will cover an average distance of 20–25 kilometres per day, with the first halt scheduled at Silghat, Nagaon, after covering approximately 30 kilometres on the opening day.

The expedition will be led by Lt Cdr Tileswar Nath, Officer Commanding, 48 Assam Naval Unit NCC, as the Expedition Commander, assisted by Lt Cdr Mohd Farhan, Officer Commanding, 49 Assam Naval Unit NCC, who will serve as the Safety Officer. The expedition fleet will comprise six 27-ft DK Whaler boats, supported by two Inland Water Transport (IWT) vessels from the Government of Assam, four safety boats from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and one rescue boat from the participating Naval NCC Units.

These support vessels will provide essential operational assistance, safety cover and communication support throughout the expedition. As part of the preparations, 48 Assam Naval Unit NCC organised an intensive Preparatory Camp at Tezpur from 23 to 27 October 2026.

During the camp, cadets underwent rigorous practical training in boat pulling, sailing techniques, navigation, seamanship, watermanship, understanding river currents, river safety, survival techniques and rescue and recovery procedures.In addition, the team will undertake various social service and community development initiatives along its route, including Swachhata Abhiyaan, awareness campaigns and anti-drug awareness drives.

At various halts, the cadets will also stage street plays and cultural performances highlighting the courage, patriotism and leadership of Bir Lachit Borphukan.The Flag-Off Ceremony, held on 28 October 2026 at Biswanath Ghat, was graced by Smt Karabi Saikia Karan, District Commissioner of Biswanath, as the Chief Guest, who formally flagged off the expedition.

The Brahmaputra Sailing Expedition – MENU 2026 stands as a tribute to Assam's rich riverine heritage and the indomitable spirit of India's youth. Through this unique combination of adventure training, community engagement and cultural awareness, the expedition will truly embody the NCC motto of “Unity and Discipline.”