Rajya Mantri Raksha The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute crew, led by Shri Ajay Bhatt, celebrated the accomplishment of “Mission Antarctica” by raising the 7,500 square foot National Flag atop Mount Rhenock
On December 13, 2023, a team from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling was ceremoniously flagged in by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a historic event marking the successful completion of “Mission Antarctica.” Three trekkers participated in the 2021 expedition, which was headed by Group Captain Jai Kishan. Their greatest accomplishment was raising the National Flag, which measured an amazing 7,500 square feet and weighed 75 kilos, to the summit of Mt. Rhenock in the Sikkim Himalayas at a whopping 16,500 feet in the air.
Breaking Records feat
Its historic status as the largest Indian National Flag ever flown atop a mountain was secured by this enormous feat.
This incredible accomplishment was recognized by the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records, solidifying the team’s legacy.
The team also flew the Tricolour over Mount Vinson, the highest peak in the South Pole, during their grueling expedition.
The New Delhi Grand Finale
The 7,500 square foot National Flag was finally displayed, and Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt observed the momentous occasion at the Air Force Bal Bharati School in New Delhi, where the flag-in ceremony culminated.
This magnificent occasion signaled the end of the “Mera Yuva Bharat Yatra,” a massive roadshow.
Holy soil and water from the high peaks of Sikkim, which reach an elevation of 16,000 feet, were given to Shri Ajay Bhatt as a symbol of the mission’s ancestry.
Remarks of Inspiration and Acclaim
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt thanked the expedition team for their outstanding work while addressing the gathered crowd.
He praised their programs as ground-breaking and credited them with inspiring a sense of adventure and patriotism in the young people.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasized that India has entered the “Amrit Kaal” period and urged schoolchildren to actively engage in the country’s transformative journey toward becoming a “Viksit Bharat.”
An Appeal to Young People
In order to promote holistic development, Shri Ajay Bhatt urged kids to thrive academically and participate actively in extracurricular activities.
He pleaded with them to fully engage in government programs like “Khelo India” and “Mera Yuva Bharat.”
As the children of Air Force Bal Bharti School presented a cultural event filled with national pride, the Raksha Rajya Mantri’s call rang true with patriotic zeal.
Senior Ministry of Defence civil and military officials were present at the event, together with students, parents, and instructors, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Q. What was the main goal of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute’s “Mission Antarctica”?
The main goal of “Mission Antarctica” was to raise the national flag at 16,500 feet atop Mt. Rhenock in the Sikkim Himalayas.
Q. How big and heavy was the National Flag that the expedition team raised?
The team’s hoisted National Flag was 75 kilos in weight and measured 7,500 square feet.
