In a heartening celebration of grit and glory, HP CM Sukhu felicitated two outstanding youth achievers—Cadet Kritika, the state’s courageous Everest climber, and Pema Thakur, a Gold Medalist at the Kudo World Championship—at a special ceremony held in Shimla.
The event was thoughtfully facilitated by Dr. (Col) Sanjay Shandil, whose guidance and leadership were instrumental in highlighting the extraordinary journeys of these two young champions. His longstanding commitment to youth development through NCC and sports was recognized as a driving force behind their success.
Also in attendance was Hon’ble Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, who lauded the determination and accomplishments of both cadets.
Cadet Kritika, mentored by Dr. (Col) Sanjay Shandil during his tenure as Commanding Officer of the 1 HP Girls Battalion NCC, became a symbol of strength and resilience through her historic ascent of Mount Everest. Her achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of NCC training and personal determination.
Pema Thakur’s gold medal performance on the international stage at the Kudo World Championship marks a significant milestone for martial arts in Himachal Pradesh, showcasing the global potential of local talent.
Commending the young achievers, CM Sukhu remarked, “Kritika and Pema embody the spirit of New Himachal—bold, talented, and unstoppable. Their achievements inspire not just pride, but a deep sense of possibility for our youth.”
Dr. (Col) Sanjay Shandil shared his pride in the cadets’ recognition, saying, “This moment is a powerful reminder to all young Himachalis that with dedication, discipline, and opportunity, they can reach unimaginable heights.”
The ceremony concluded with a rousing ovation, echoing the collective aspiration to nurture and celebrate youth potential across Himachal Pradesh.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
