Kathua: In a historic achievement, Cadet Mohit Knathia of Government Degree College (GDC) Kathua has successfully scaled Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) on May 18, 2025, becoming the sole representative from Jammu & Kashmir in the prestigious National Cadet Corps (NCC) Everest Expedition 2025.
Selected as one of just ten cadets from across India, Mohit emerged from a rigorous national selection process, exemplifying exceptional fitness, determination, and training. His ascent marks a moment of immense pride for both the 4 J&K NCC Battalion and GDC Kathua.
The expedition was formally flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 3, following intensive pre-expedition training, including winter conditioning at Siachen Base Camp and a climb of Mount Abi Gamin, under the Army Mountaineering Institute.
Despite facing extreme weather and harsh terrain, Mohit reached the summit and proudly unfurled the National and NCC flags, embodying the spirit of discipline, courage, and patriotism. This is NCC’s third successful Everest mission after similar feats in 2013 and 2016.
Prof. Seema Mir, Principal of GDC Kathua, hailed the achievement, calling Mohit “an inspiration for the youth of J&K.” She also lauded Lt. (Dr.) Daya Ram, the college’s Associate NCC Officer, for his dedicated mentorship.
The college credited Col. Kuldeep Kachroo and Subedar Shyam Chand, 4 JK NCC BN, for their vital training efforts that made Mohit’s feat possible.
