New Delhi. One of the oldest Signal Regiments of the Indian Army, the 1 Army Headquarters Signal Regiment has always been in the forefront to promote the spirit of adventure. It has a well established Adventure Club which in the past has promoted various adventure events including high altitude trekking expeditions to various parts of Himalayas.

The Regiment is now organizing a unique desert trekking expedition in the great Thar Desert, from 9 Sep 2008 to 3 Oct 2008. The expedition is a novel large-scale venture of its kind being attempted 1200 kms away from the home base in the areas along Hanumangarh – Jaisalmer.

Led by Col Vivek Dogra, the 17-member team will attempt to cover more than 480 Kms of desert stretch by trekking on foot, an attempt, considered by people as extremely challenging in the sandy camel country of Thar.

The young robust team includes Maj SPS Bali, an expert in desert navigation, whose talents are a must for survival in the vast expanse of desert, and Capt Divya Gupta, a petite but tough as a nail lady officer, who is managing the critical and complex affairs of communications and logistics in the grind of sun, sand and heat.

Significantly, and it is noteworthy, amongst the team members is Sub Jagmail Singh, who lost one of his legs during the Sri Lanka operations. His steely determination has been a constant source of motivation for everyone.

Besides trekking and exploring the desert, the expedition is also set to record the flora and fauna in the desert, as also making contacts with people inhabiting remote hamlets of the desert.

Indeed, the expedition showcases the unique versatility of the Corps of Signals and the Indian Army. The chief patron of the expedition, Lt Gen P Mohapatra, Signal-Officer-in-Chief and Colonel Commandant of Corps of Signals along with patrons Maj Gen TK Das and Brig Ajay Kohli of Army Headquarter Signals flagged off the expedition from the historic India Gate lawns on Sep 9.