Mahars known for their indomitable spirit launched a white water rafting expedition on river Teesta to commemorate 75 years of its glorious service to the Nation. The regiment raised in 1941 is a symbol of national Integration drawing its soldiers from all states of the country and has been at the FOREFRONT FOREVER in all spheres of activities. River Teesta which originates from Teesta Kangste in North Sikkim and has challenging currents was chosen for the expedition to acknowledge the contribution of soldiers of the North Eastern region in the Regiment. The rafting team carried out rigorous training at Army Adventure Nodal Centre, Burdong to prepare for this expedition.
The white water rafting expedition on river Teesta was flagged off from Balutar in Sikkim on 29 Feb 2016. The expedition embarked upon a three day journey of 110 km from Balutar in Sikkim through the frothing and churning waters of the riotous Teesta river before they would set their foot on ground at Sevoke Road in Siliguri, WB on 02 Mar 2016. The Mahar Regiment Platinum Jubilee Expedition under the aegis of DOUBLE FIRST, was led by Major Roshan Fransis who has been a qualified and experienced Rafting Leader.
The team completed the first leg of the expedition covering a stretch of 35 km through the serpentine curves of the mighty river and halting for the night at Rangpo. The team utilised this time to interact with the local youth and motivate them to serve the country by joining the Indian Army. The team also organized a display of weapons and equipment for the school children.
The Mahar Regiment Expedition Team resumed their journey from Rangpo on 01 Mar 2016 after bidding farewell to the local populace. The stretch of the river on day 2 of the expedition posed greater challenges with dangerous rapids of Grade 3 and Grade 4. The never-say-die team effectively navigated these and reached Nazeok covering another stretch of 35 Km. The team on arrival was enthusiastically cheered by the local populace. The team held another interactive session with the students from educational institutes at Rambi and Mangpoand and educated the youth about Indian Army as a career option highlighting various types of selection entries into the Indian Army. The team answered the queries by the students and distributed information brochures and pamphlets to the students.
On the third day of their expedition, the team once again showed the true spirit of adventure with the Mahar flag flying high, undeterred by the gushing winds and the freezing cold rolling waters of the Teesta river. The expedition reached its final destination at Sevok Road cruising through the emerald blue waters and was flagged in by Commander from Trishakti Division on 02 Mar 2016 at 1200 hrs.
The Rafting expedition was able to nurture goodwill amongst the people of West Bengal and Sikkim and the same also helped to create a positive image of the Army amongst the local population especially the youths. Mahar Regiment expressed its thanks to the Water Commission and NHPC for providing whole hearted support in making the expedition a great success.
