17-09-2026:On the Occasion of the Flag-Off Ceremony of the SSB All-Women Mount Srikanth Expedition-2026

Jai Hind!

On this proud and momentous occasion, I extend a warm welcome to Shri Sanjay Singhal Ji, Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal; Shri Sanjeev Sharma Ji, Inspector General (Training); senior officers of the Sashastra Seema Bal; all the trainers and support personnel associated with this expedition; and, most importantly, our brave women mountaineers who are embarking on the Mount Srikanth Expedition-2026, here at Lok Bhavan.

Today is a day of immense pride and happiness for me. The All-Women Team of the Sashastra Seema Bal is embarking on this expedition with the resolve to reach the summit of Mount Srikanth. This expedition is an inspiring example of courage, discipline, leadership, team spirit and the indomitable strength of Nari Shakti.

Standing at an altitude of 6,133 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district, Mount Srikanth presents a formidable mountaineering challenge. Extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, difficult terrain and the ability to continuously move forward under demanding conditions will all be tested during this expedition. I am confident that before your training, experience and determination, even these challenges will appear small.

The Sashastra Seema Bal’s Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School at Gwaldam has a rich tradition of mountaineering activities. Expeditions to peaks such as Mount Everest, Trishul, Kamet, Gangotri-I, Satopanth and Bhagirathi-II have been successfully undertaken by this institution. The Mount Srikanth Expedition is another significant chapter that carries forward this proud legacy.

Friends,

In the Indian civilisational ethos, mountains are not merely lofty peaks. They symbolise resolve, perseverance, spiritual discipline and inner strength. Uttarakhand itself is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas—a land where traditions of spirituality, valour and service to the nation have flowed together for centuries.

Our Devbhoomi has given countless brave soldiers to the nation. The mothers of this land have inspired their sons and daughters to dedicate themselves to the service of the country. Therefore, when the women mountaineers of the Sashastra Seema Bal ascend towards a Himalayan summit in this sacred land, their journey becomes a shared journey of pride—for the Veer Bhoomi of Uttarakhand and for the Nari Shakti of India.

What makes this expedition particularly special is that each one of you is a woman in uniform, dedicated to service. The Sashastra Seema Bal is not merely a force entrusted with the security of our borders; it is also a guardian of the spirit of “Seva, Suraksha and Bandhutva.”

The resolve to serve will propel you forward, the responsibility to protect will keep you vigilant, and the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood will inspire you to hold each other’s hands and reach the summit together.

Your identity is not limited to that of mountaineers. You are trained, dedicated and committed women serving the nation in uniform. You have shouldered the responsibility of national security and have made discipline an integral part of your lives. Therefore, Mount Srikanth is not merely another mountain to climb—it is also a new test of your training, leadership, endurance and commitment to duty.

From my own experience of military service, I can say that challenging circumstances bring out a person’s true capabilities. Training prepares us for adversity, but when the moment of challenge arrives, it is patience, the ability to make the right decisions and faith in one’s team that become our real strength.

Whether it is the Army, the Armed Forces or a mountaineering expedition, the foundation of success lies in remaining steadfast in pursuit of the objective and standing firmly by one’s comrades in difficult circumstances.

Mountaineering teaches us that while individual courage is important in reaching a summit, trust in one’s team is equally essential. Moving forward while holding each other’s hands will be your greatest strength. Because reaching the summit is an achievement—but reaching it safely together as a team is an even greater success.

My dear sisters and fellow mountaineers,

There is an altitude of 6,133 metres before you. But I want you to look at it as more than a geographical height. Make it a measure of the height of your confidence, your leadership and your commitment to the service of the nation.

Let one mantra always guide you:

“Nation First.”

A uniform gives us more than an identity—it gives us a responsibility. Whether it is securing the borders, serving in difficult terrain or facing the challenges of the Himalayas, placing duty above all else is the true dignity of the uniform.

I am particularly pleased that women from different states of the country are participating in this expedition. Women from diverse regions have come together today as one team, with one objective and one resolve. This also strengthens the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

You are living proof that when Indian women are given opportunity, training and trust, they can shoulder even the most demanding responsibilities with competence, courage and dedication.

Your journey is also an inspiration for the daughters of India who dream of reaching a summit of their own. Give them this message: whether the height is that of a mountain or that of responsibility, every summit can be reached with preparation, discipline and self-confidence.

Our scriptures remind us:

“Udyamena hi siddhyanti karyani na manorathaih.”

It means that tasks are accomplished not merely by wishing for them, but through sustained effort. The spirit of your expedition is also contained in this timeless wisdom—resolve, effort and achievement.

Brave sisters and mountaineers,

Courage is essential in an expedition such as this, but courage does not mean ignoring risk. Courage means understanding the risks, taking the right decisions and moving forward with discipline.

Respect the mountain. Understand the conditions. Trust your training and your expedition leadership as you move ahead. The safety of each one of you and of your entire team must remain the highest priority.

I am confident that this expedition will further strengthen your endurance, leadership abilities and professional competence in high-altitude conditions, while also opening new pathways for future mountaineering expeditions.

It will also stand as a powerful example of the capabilities and growing leadership of the women of the Sashastra Seema Bal.

I congratulate the leadership of the Sashastra Seema Bal, its officers, trainers and every member associated with this expedition who has contributed to its planning and preparation.

My brave sisters and mountaineers,

When you begin your ascent of Mount Srikanth, you will carry with you your training, your experience, your team—and above all, the pride of the Tricolour.

When the summit lies ahead and the circumstances become difficult, remember the inner strength that brought you to this uniform.

I can already imagine that proud moment when you unfurl the Tricolour on the snow-covered summit of Mount Srikanth.

At that moment, it will not be merely a flag that flies there. Along with you, the pride of every Indian who has dedicated their life to the Tricolour will also soar.

Your success will not merely be the conquest of a mountain. It will be a triumph of courage, discipline, Nari Shakti and the resolve to serve the nation.

The summit towards which you are moving is geographically Mount Srikanth; but the true summit of your journey is much higher—the height of duty, the height of leadership and the height of patriotism.

Move forward with full energy, confidence and discipline. Go safely, return successfully and bring greater glory to India.

Always remember:

For you, the Nation is First, Duty is Paramount, and the dignity of the Tricolour is the greatest honour.

I pray to the Almighty for the success of your expedition and for the health and safety of each one of you. May the Tricolour and the flag of the Sashastra Seema Bal fly with pride and honour from the summit of Mount Srikanth.

My heartfelt best wishes to each one of you for the successful completion of the Mount Srikanth Expedition-2026.

Vande Mataram!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Jai Hind!