Latest news with #NehruInstituteofMountaineering
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
NIM principal suffers high-altitude stroke after scaling Everest
Uttarkashi: Col Anshuman Bhadauria, principal of Uttarkashi-based Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), suffered a high-altitude stroke near Camp 3 while descending after successfully summiting Mt Everest on May 23. He was part of a seven-member team from NIM, Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering (JIM), and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling. The team had set off on the Everest expedition on April 2, as per sources. It was while they were descending from the peak that Col Bhadauria fell ill. Fellow climbers helped him reach Camp 2, from where he was airlifted to Kathmandu and subsequently shifted to New Delhi for advanced medical care. Vishal Ranjan, an NIM representative, confirmed that Bhadauria is currently being treated at the Military Hospital in Delhi and is showing signs of recovery.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Hyderabad's 16-year-old Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti scales the Globe- Youngest Indian to complete 7 Summits challenge
HYDERABAD Hyderabad teenager Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti has become the youngest Indian and the second youngest person in the world to complete the legendary 7 Summits challenge - scaling the highest peak on each continent, a feat that ranks among the most prestigious in global mountaineering. The 16-year-old's final ascent came on May 27, when he summited Mount Everest (8,848 m) after weeks of gruelling climbing. 'Standing on the summit of Everest and completing the 7 Summits is a dream come true,' said Vishwanath Karthikey. 'This journey tested every part of me- physically, mentally, and emotionally. I'm grateful for the love and support I've received throughout this journey.' His journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when his elder sister Vaishnavi was preparing to trek Rudugaira. Vishwanath, then just 11, expressed interest in joining her. His family was sceptical. 'We discouraged him,' recalled his mother, Laxmi Padakanti, 'but his sister insisted we give him a chance. That first trek ended in failure, but something in him had changed.' From there, he just ascended, fuelled his passion in the snow by enrolling at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering where he trained for a good five months. His first attempt at Mount Elbrus in 2021 was also unsuccessful, but the setbacks only hardened his resolve. Over the years, he went on to summit Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, and Kosciuszko, each climb building towards his final Everest push. Mentorship played a critical role. He trained under Bharath and Lt. Romil Barthwal, an Indian Army veteran and noted mountaineer. 'Vishwanath's achievement is not just a mountaineering milestone,' said the mentors. 'It reflects his humility, discipline, and mental strength. He's proof of what young people can achieve with the right attitude and support.' For his grandparents and his father, Padakanti Rajendra Prasad, the pillars of his strength, the journey has been transformative. 'He was such a lazy child once,' Laxmi, laughs. 'Never played with the colony kids, slacked in studies. Now, he's the most responsible person I know. He also manages his studies alongside by scoring 92% in his Inter First Year.' Still, it hasn't been smooth. 'When we went to embassies for permissions, people would ask if he was adopted or if I even loved him to send him off to expeditions,' Laxmi says. 'But I didn't let it bother me. He's doing what he loves, and I'll support that any day.' As for what comes next, Laxmi says he is only going to up his record. 'He is interested in joining the Indian Army as well. Still deciding. But whatever road he takes, we are willing to support him' she affirms feeling proud.
India Today
24-05-2025
- General
- India Today
How Bachendri Pal's 43 minutes on Everest made her India's first woman to summit
A pahadi girl with a dream in her eyes stood still at the top of the world. On the afternoon of May 23, 1984, at 1:07 pm, Bachendri Pal, a young woman from the hills of Uttarakhand, became the first Indian woman to summit Mount Mount Everest is still a formidable task, demanding not only determination and courage but also fearlessness and an almost obsessive last year, when young Indian girl Kamya Karthikeyan climbed Mount Everest, she became the youngest Indian to do so -- and one of the youngest in the world. Her achievement drew applause from across the country. Coming back to Bachendri Pal -- when she made her climb possible, she became a source of inspiration not only for girls but for millions who dare to challenge journey and love for the mountains began at the tender age of 12, when she undertook her first climb. Despite falling ill and missing the training camp, she did not let that stop her from summiting PAL'S EARLY YEARSThat one moment was the result of years of struggle and a passion that kept alive in the heart of Bichendri pal. Born on May 24, 1954, in Nakuri village, Tehri Garhwal, Bachendri was one of seven children in a humble father, Kishan Singh Pal, earned a living trading goods with Tibet, transporting supplies by mule across the border. A devastating flood in 1943 left the family homeless. Her father later turned to wool work and farming to support them. Despite financial challenges, Bachendri pursued her education, completing an MA in Sanskrit and a BEd But her heart belonged to the had her first taste of mountaineering at the age of 12, when she and her friends climbed a 4,000-metre peak, skipping Sunday school to do so. They had no water, got stranded overnight, and returned to scoldings -- not praise. Still, the mountains called to her.A very rare instance of her childhood had instilled fear in her that left no way in future. Once, when she interrupted her father during his Ramayana reading which made him lose his temper and flung her off a slope.A tree branch saved her from injury. That brush with danger never left her autobiography, Everest: My Journey to the Top, she described how challenges only made her stronger, and how she refused to believe that anything was out of DREAMS INTO REALITYadvertisementWhen Bachendri Pal saw a photograph of the Prime Minister meeting schoolchildren, she said, 'I'll meet Indira Gandhi.' When cars passed through her village, she declared, 'I'll have one too.' The same went for planes -- she would fly in one 1982, while training at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi, she scaled Mt Gangotri and Mt Rudragaria. Bachendri Pal with late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (Image: Uttarakhand Government archives) As an instructor at the National Adventure Foundation, she was later selected for a women's mountaineering scholarship and helped launch the Bhagirathi Seven-Sisters Adventure Club to promote adventure sports among her childhood hero, Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, was a milestone. Though she stood right beside him, she couldn't gather the courage to speak. But his presence only strengthened her the Everest '84 selection camp, she fell ill and missed crucial her steady progress up the slopes impressed her instructors. When the camp ended, most trainees rushed down the moved at a slow, deliberate pace. Major Prem Chand watched her and said, 'That is the pace you will need for Everest.'The expedition began with promise, but a massive avalanche at Lhotse Glacier on May 16 nearly ended it. Tents were crushed. Climbers were injured. Many turned back. Bachendri stayed.'I was jolted awake. Something hit me hard. It was an avalanche,' she recalled in an interview later. When asked if she was scared, she admitted she was. But when asked if she wanted to quit, her answer was firm: 'No.'On May 23 1984, just a day before her 30th birthday, she climbed the final stretch through freezing winds and sheets of ice with a few remaining teammates, including Ang Dorjee, the Sherpa at 1:07 pm, it was shivering cold at Mount Everest, the nose was cold then, then Bachendri Pal made history -- not with fanfare, but with quiet spent 43 minutes on the tallest peak in the world; her name has echoed through history ever since, and she will forever be remembered as the first Indian woman to achieve the feat." (Image: Tata Steel Adventure Foundation) advertisementBEYOND MOUNT EVERESTBachendri Pal did not stop at the summit of Mount Everest; she went on to inspire others by leading expeditions to other high mountain 1993, Bachendri Pal led the first all-women Indo-Nepalese Everest expedition, marking a milestone in Indian following year, she joined the first women's rafting voyage down the Ganges, covering 2,155 km from Haridwar to Calcutta in 39 1997, with seven other women, she undertook the first Indian Women Trans-Himalayan Expedition, marching from Arunachal to connected the east to the west of India by climbing the highest peaks in Arunachal and then moving on to Siachen -- the most difficult terrain, where temperatures hover below -50 degrees for most of the group led by Bachendri crossed 40 high passes and reached 20,100 ft -- no nation had done so journey from a curious girl in a hill village to the summit of Everest is not just a story of personal achievement -- it's a reminder that with determination, even the tallest mountains can be scaled.
India.com
17-05-2025
- India.com
Explore The Untouched Beauty Of Uttarkashi's Hidden Gems
Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Uttarkashi beckons with its serene beauty and rich cultural heritage. This enchanting city, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, but those who venture here are rewarded with hidden gems waiting to be explored. A Glimpse into History Uttarkashi's history is as captivating as its landscape. The city has been a center of spiritual and cultural significance for centuries, attracting pilgrims and seekers from far and wide. Its name, which translates to 'Kashi of the North,' is a testament to its revered status. One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the ancient Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the traditional North Indian style, this temple exudes an aura of spirituality and tranquility. As you wander through its intricately carved corridors, you can't help but feel a sense of reverence for the centuries of devotion that have permeated its walls. Nature's Bounty Beyond its spiritual allure, Uttarkashi boasts an abundance of natural beauty. The city is blessed with breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and glistening rivers. For nature enthusiasts, there are endless opportunities for trekking, camping, and birdwatching amidst the pristine Himalayan wilderness. One of Uttarkashi's hidden gems is the Gangotri National Park, a haven for wildlife and adventure seekers alike. Spanning over 2,500 square kilometers, this protected area is home to elusive creatures such as snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, and musk deer. Whether you're embarking on a multi-day trek or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, the park's diverse landscapes will leave you in awe. Cultural Riches Uttarkashi is not only a feast for the eyes but also a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. The city's vibrant streets are lined with colorful markets, where artisans showcase their traditional crafts and delicacies. From handwoven textiles to aromatic spices, each item tells a story of centuries-old craftsmanship and ingenuity. One of the highlights of Uttarkashi's cultural calendar is the annual Manikarnika Ghat Festival. Held on the banks of the sacred Bhagirathi River, this vibrant celebration brings together pilgrims and performers from across the region. With its lively music, dance, and rituals, the festival is a testament to the city's enduring spirit and sense of community. Preserving the Past As Uttarkashi embraces modernity, efforts are underway to preserve its rich heritage for future generations. The city's museums and heritage sites offer a glimpse into its storied past, showcasing artifacts and relics dating back centuries. From ancient manuscripts to traditional costumes, these institutions serve as guardians of Uttarkashi's cultural legacy. One such treasure is the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, which pays homage to the city's adventurous spirit. Founded in 1965, this renowned institution has trained generations of mountaineers and explorers, shaping the course of Himalayan exploration. Through its exhibits and archives, the institute honors Uttarkashi's pioneering role in the world of mountaineering. Conclusion In Uttarkashi, every corner reveals a new story, a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered. Whether you're drawn to its spiritual sanctuaries, natural wonders, or cultural delights, this enchanting city offers something for everyone. As you wander through its timeless streets and majestic landscapes, you can't help but be captivated by the magic of Uttarkashi.
