The mountaineers on Mount Kilimanjaro with the giant Tiranga. (Photo: MoD)
New Delhi: In an extraordinary demonstration of human spirit, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), under the Ministry of Defence, has undertaken a groundbreaking expedition, the ministry said in a new release on Saturday. A team including individuals with disabilities embarked on a journey from the Kanchenjunga National Park to Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania.
At its lowest point, the Kanchenjunga National Park is at 6,001 feet (1,829 metres) above sea level, while Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, is at an altitude of 19,341 feet (5,895 metres).
Led by Group Captain Jai Kishan, the diverse team set out for the base camp on Sunday, August 4. The other climbers included Uday Kumar – a person with disabilities, Captain Shruti, Subedar Mahendra Kumar Yadav, Pawel Sharma, and Sulaxchana Tamang.
On August 7, upon reaching Kibo Hut, which is at an altitude of 15485 feet (4,720 metres), the team unfurled a massive 725-square-metre Indian national flag using ropes, ground nets, and anchors.
The final ascent to Uhuru Peak began at 3am, local time, on August 8. After a challenging 10-hour climb over treacherous terrain, the team triumphantly reached the 5,895-metre Mt Kilimanjaro summit at 1pm, once again displaying the enormous Indian flag.
Group Captain Kishan lauded this as a historic achievement, particularly noting Uday Kumar’s unprecedented feat of scaling Kilimanjaro on crutches.
This expedition, coinciding with India’s 78th year of independence, not only showcases the potential of people with disabilities but also sets new benchmarks in adventure sports. It stands as an inspiration for future generations, proving that with determination and support, no dream is unattainable.
The team anticipates achieving further milestones by August 19 by continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in mountaineering and human endurance.
