17-09-2026:Governor flagged off the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) All-Women Mount Srikanth Expedition-2026 from Lok Bhavan

Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note

Governor Flags Off SSB All-Women Mount Srikanth Expedition-2026

“Expedition is an inspiring example of women’s power, courage and service to the nation”: Governor

Lok Bhavan Dehradun 17 September, 2026

Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) flagged off the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) All-Women Mount Srikanth Expedition-2026 from Lok Bhavan on Thursday. The expedition comprises a total of 10 members, including seven women mountaineers certified in Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Courses and three experienced support mountaineers from SSB’s Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CI&JW), Gwaldam. The expedition commenced on September 17 and is scheduled to undertake the summit attempt between October 3 and 6, 2026.

Extending his best wishes to the women mountaineers participating in the expedition, the Governor said that Mount Srikanth, standing at an altitude of 6,133 metres, is a highly challenging peak. He said that an all-women mountaineering team coming forward to take on such a demanding expedition sends an inspiring message of Nari Shakti and women’s empowerment.

The Governor said that the day was also special as it marks the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He said that, in keeping with the vision, energy and resolve of a New India, the expedition carries forward the values of courage, discipline, women’s empowerment and service to the nation. He also extended his warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Governor said that meeting the women mountaineers of the expedition filled him with a sense of pride. He remarked that Indian women are capable of facing every challenge with determination. He noted that the expedition team has undergone specialised training at various levels and that its preparations have been carried out in a systematic and professional manner. He congratulated the Director General of SSB, officers, trainers and the entire team for undertaking this innovative initiative.

The Governor said that the ascent of Mount Srikanth is particularly challenging due to its high altitude, changing weather conditions and difficult terrain. In such circumstances, training, discipline, team spirit and the ability to make the right decisions will play a crucial role in the success of the expedition. He emphasised that while reaching the summit is an achievement in mountaineering, returning safely with the entire team is an even greater success. He advised the expedition members to respect the mountain and prevailing conditions and to accord the highest priority to safety throughout the expedition.

Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal, Shri Sanjay Singhal; Director General of Police, Shri Deepam Seth; Garhwal Commissioner Shri Anand Swarup; Inspector General (Training) Shri Sanjeev Sharma; senior SSB officers, trainers and members of the expedition team were present on the occasion.
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