New Delhi: Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Wednesday flagged-off joint expeditions to Mount Kangchenjunga and Mount Everest from here.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Seth described the mission as not just about reaching the top of the world but showcasing India’s mountaineering excellence and leadership in adventure sports, a Defence Ministry statement said.
“India is fast emerging as a powerhouse in the global adventure sports arena, and mountaineering institutions functioning under the Ministry of Defence are playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s adventure ecosystem,” he said.
Sanjay Seth expressed confidence in the team’s abilities and highlighted the expedition’s significance.
“By successfully summiting both mountains, the teams will set a new benchmark and inspire young mountaineers across the country and the world at large,” he said.
He further emphasised that mountaineering institutes have been at the forefront of training and inspiring the youth, truly embodying the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to foster self-reliance, resilience, and a fearless spirit among the young minds.
He stressed that the expeditions would not only test the team’s endurance, skill, and teamwork but also serve as an inspiration for young adventurers.
The expedition to Mount Everest is being organised in collaboration with Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling, and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS), Jammu & Kashmir to commemorate 60 glorious years of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
The team for the Mt Everest expedition comprises seven highly skilled climbers and will be led by Col Anshuman Bhadauria, Principal, NIM. The team will embark on its journey on April 2, following the traditional South Col Route in Nepal, a path taken by legendary climbers before them. Their journey will include climbing through the treacherous Khumbu Valley, acclimatisation at extreme high-altitude camps and extensive preparation for the summit push in May 2025.
The Mount Kangchenjunga Expedition is organised by National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, under its ‘Har Shikhar Tiranga’ initiative.The expedition will start on April 7. It is being led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, Director, NIMAS, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. The team comprises of five highly skilled climbers and three support staff.
